A nurse is caring for a client who has an ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale:
A. Inspection: Visual examination of the abdomen is the first step, allowing the nurse to observe contour, skin changes, and symmetry without disturbing underlying structures.

B. Auscultation: Listening for bowel and vascular sounds is performed after inspection and before palpation or percussion to avoid artificially altering bowel activity.

C. Palpation: Palpation is the final step in an abdominal assessment because pressing on the abdomen can alter bowel sounds or cause discomfort. It is performed last to prevent interference with earlier assessment steps.

D. Percussion: Percussion provides information about organ size, fluid, and gas presence and is performed after auscultation but before palpation to avoid disturbing bowel sounds.

Rationale:
A. "Massage the ointment into the skin.": The ointment should not be massaged into the skin because doing so alters the absorption rate and can cause unpredictable vasodilation and hypotension.

B. "Spread the ointment in a thin, even layer.": The nurse should instruct the client to apply the prescribed amount of nitroglycerin ointment in a thin, even layer to a hairless area of the upper body or chest. This ensures consistent absorption of the medication.

C. "Apply the ointment to the forearm.": The forearm is not a recommended site for application. The preferred areas are the chest, back, or upper arm where the skin is less likely to be disturbed and has better absorption.

D. "Apply the ointment to the skin every 4 hr.": Nitroglycerin ointment is usually applied every 6 to 12 hours depending on the prescription, with a nitrate-free interval to prevent tolerance. Every 4 hours is not standard practice.