Final answer:
The nurse should further assess the patient and the dressing when there is additional bloody drainage on the initial abdominal dressing post-surgery, looking for signs of shock and notifying the surgeon if the patient's condition is deteriorating.
Step-by-step explanation:
When additional bloody drainage appears on the initial abdominal dressing of a patient who had surgery 7 hours ago, the nurse's best response is to further assess the patient and the wound. This entails first ensuring the safety and stability of the patient by checking for signs of shock, such as low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and change in mental status. If the patient exhibits any signs that suggest deterioration, it is critical to notify the surgeon of the bleeding and the patient's condition immediately. However, without the presence of such severe signs, the nurse should not remove the dressing as it may disrupt the clotting and healing process. Moreover, the nurse should be familiar with the surgeon, anesthesia professional, and nursing staff reviews that concern the recovery and care of the patient as this can provide important context for the assessment.