A nurse is planning care for a client who has angina and a new prescription for nitroglycerin ointment. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The correct answer is A. The nurse should cover the administration area with plastic wrap when applying nitroglycerin ointment to prevent accidental exposure to others and to ensure proper absorption of the medication. This step helps to enhance the drug's efficacy by promoting direct contact with the skin and preventing it from being rubbed off onto clothing or other surfaces. Massaging the ointment into the skin (B) may alter the absorption rate and distribution of the medication. Spreading the ointment in a 10 cm2 area (C) may lead to inaccurate dosing. Applying the ointment in a thick layer (D) may result in overdose or underdose due to inconsistent dosing.