The nurse is preparing to apply a topical ointment to a patient with a sore throat. Which instruction by the nurse would lead to first to help facilitate absorption of the medication?

The correct answer is A: Ensure that the skin is clean and dry. This instruction is crucial because applying the topical ointment to clean and dry skin helps facilitate absorption of the medication. Clean skin ensures there are no barriers to absorption, and dry skin prevents dilution of the ointment, enhancing its effectiveness.

Incorrect choices:
B: Don gloves prior to administration - While wearing gloves is important for infection control, it does not directly affect the absorption of the medication.
C: Take the patient's vital signs - Vital signs are important for overall patient assessment but do not impact the absorption of the topical ointment.
D: Apply to non-irritated areas of the skin - This is important to prevent further irritation but does not specifically aid in absorption.