What should a nurse explain to a client taking rifampin if the client mentions their urine appears orange?

Rifampin is known to cause certain discolorations as a common side effect due to its effects on body fluids. The orange hue seen in the urine is a normal reaction caused by the drug's metabolites. This color change occurs because rifampin is a potent dye, and its excretion can lead to changes in sweat, tears, and urine colors as well.

It's essential for clients to understand that this is an expected side effect and not something to be alarmed about. This knowledge helps foster adherence to the medication regimen, as clients are less likely to discontinue use or become concerned about these changes.

While other options address concerns that could arise with medication side effects—such as liver damage, allergic reactions, or the need for additional tests—none of these are related to the typical effects of rifampin on urine color. The expectation of an orange urine color should be acknowledged as a benign and common consequence of taking this antibiotic.