A 68-year-old man is on the surgical ward 6 hours after an open appendicectomy. The nurse records a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min, heart rate 132/min, blood pressure 85/50 mmHg and temperature 38.6 C; he opens his eyes only when spoken to loudly. His observations two hours earlier were within normal limits and the wound dressing is dry and intact. Which one of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?
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