Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the client to take misoprostol on an empty stomach, expect contractions to begin within 24 hours, and administer the medication with a full glass of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should provide the following instruction to the client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and has a new prescription for misoprostol:
- Take the medication on an empty stomach: Misoprostol is typically recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to improve its effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Expect contractions to begin within 24 hours: Misoprostol is a medication that can induce labor, and contractions usually begin within 24 hours after administration.
- Administer the medication with a full glass of water: It is recommended to take misoprostol with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption.
- Use an external fetal monitor during administration: