What change in appearance may a client expect from taking rifampin?

Rifampin is an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis and other infections. One of the well-known side effects of rifampin is that it can cause body fluids, including sweat, urine, saliva, and tears, to take on an orange or reddish color. This occurs because of the way rifampin is metabolized in the body, leading to the presence of the drug or its metabolites in various secretions.

The orange discoloration is not harmful and is more of a cosmetic effect, which is important for patients to be aware of, as it may cause concern if they are not informed ahead of time. This side effect can be particularly noteworthy for individuals who may handle contact lenses, as the color change can stain them.

Other options mention various effects that are not associated with rifampin. For example, urine turning blue is not a recognized side effect of rifampin, and becoming flushed and red is more associated with a different class of medications or reactions, not specifically rifampin. Lastly, significant dryness of the skin is also not a common effect of this medication. Thus, the correct understanding of rifampin's side effects confirms that one can expect their sweat to turn orange as a result of taking this medication.