What should the nurse do if a patient exhibits signs of bleeding in the postoperative period?

If a patient shows signs of bleeding in the postoperative period, the nurse's first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Notifying the physician immediately is crucial because postoperative bleeding can lead to serious complications, including shock or the need for surgical intervention. The physician needs to be involved promptly to assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.

Applying pressure directly to the site of bleeding helps to control the blood loss. This immediate action can stabilize the patient's condition while awaiting further instructions from the physician. Ensuring that proper pressure is applied can help prevent excessive blood loss, which is vital in a post-operative context where patients are already vulnerable.

The other actions, such as waiting for the physician to arrive, encouraging the patient to lie flat, or merely documenting symptoms, would not provide the immediate intervention needed to control bleeding and could potentially jeopardize the patient's safety. Timely communication and action are key in a medical emergency like this.