Prioritizing Nursing Actions in Postpartum Care

A postpartum nurse is assessing a new mother who is 3 days post-cesarean delivery. During the assessment, the nurse observes that the mother has a firm, midline uterus, is experiencing moderate pain in the abdominal region, and has a temperature of 100.6°F (38.1°C). The nurse notes that the patient has been ambulating, but has not yet had a bowel movement since the surgery. Which nursing action should the nurse prioritize at this time to ensure optimal care?