When admitting a client with chronic gout, which medication should the nurse administer?

Allopurinol is the appropriate medication to administer when admitting a client with chronic gout. It functions as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which helps to lower uric acid levels in the blood. Gout is characterized by pain and inflammation caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. By reducing uric acid production, allopurinol effectively prevents future gout attacks and manages chronic gout over time.

In contrast, while ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation during an acute gout attack, it does not address the underlying cause of the condition. Corticosteroids may be used in certain situations for inflammation but are not a long-term solution for chronic gout management. Colchicine is effective in treating acute flare-ups of gout but is not typically used for long-term management in chronic cases. Therefore, allopurinol is the most suitable choice for the chronic management of gout.