While performing an abdominal assessment on a patient, the nurse notes an abdomen shape similar to the rounded abdomen only greater. This contour is anticipated in pregnancy and seen in adults with ascites and obesity. What term should the nurse use to document this finding?

A. Rounded describes a normal abdomen but does not convey the greater extent of fullness seen in this case. B. Scaphoid describes a concave abdomen, which does not apply to this situation. C. Flat indicates no significant contour changes, which does not apply here. D. Protuberant is the correct term, as it describes an abdomen that is significantly distended and is characteristic of conditions like pregnancy, ascites, or obesity.