While changing the dressing of a client's abdominal incision, the practical nurse (PN) observes a large amount of purulent drainage on the dressing. Which data should the PN collect first?

A. Measure the client’s body temperature: Fever would indicate a systemic infection and helps assess the severity. B. Observe the appearance of the incision: Important, but systemic assessment for infection should be prioritized first. C. Assess the degree of skin elasticity: Checks hydration status but is unrelated to assessing wound infection severity. D. Determine the client’s oxygen saturation: Not the priority unless respiratory distress is suspected.