Final answer:
The nurse should clarify the prescription with the healthcare provider before administering captopril to a client diagnosed with heart failure. The nurse should then administer the medication according to the healthcare provider's instructions, which may include taking it before meals. Additionally, the nurse should check the client's weight and monitor their latest creatinine level for ongoing assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When reviewing a new prescription for a client diagnosed with heart failure, the nurse should take several actions to ensure safe medication administration. In this case, the nurse should first clarify the prescription with the healthcare provider. This is important because captopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of heart failure, but it requires specific dosing instructions and may interact with other medications. The nurse should communicate with the healthcare provider to confirm the dosage, timing, and any other specific instructions for administering captopril to this particular client.
Once the prescription has been clarified and the details confirmed, the nurse should then administer the medication according to the healthcare provider's instructions. This may include taking the medication before meals, in which case the nurse should give the medication to the client before their next meal. If there are no specific instructions regarding meals, the nurse can administer the medication at the prescribed time.
Finally, it is important for the nurse to regularly check the client's weight and monitor their latest creatinine level. These are important indicators of the client's heart failure status and the effectiveness of the medication. Weight gain or fluid retention can signal worsening heart failure, while changes in creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction that could affect medication dosing.