A nurse is preparing to administer testosterone gel to a client who has hypogonadism. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Instruct the client to have his testosterone checked in 1 week: Testosterone levels are typically monitored after several weeks of therapy, not within just one week. Early testing may not accurately reflect the medication's effectiveness or stability in the bloodstream. B. Wear clean gloves to apply the gel: Gloves must be worn, but they should be disposable and protective not simply clean gloves. This prevents accidental transdermal absorption of testosterone by the nurse, which can have hormonal effects, especially in females. C. Apply the gel to the client's genital region: Testosterone gel should not be applied to the genital area due to the risk of irritation and unpredictable absorption. Recommended sites include the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen where the skin is intact and dry. D. Advise the client to wait 1 hr before showering or swimming: The client should be instructed to wait at least 1 hour to allow for full absorption of the gel. Showering or swimming too soon can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.