A nurse is providing patient education to a client who has a new prescription for phenazopyridine (Pyridium). The nurse should instruct the client to expect which of the following while taking this medication?

Choice A rationale Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is an azo dye used as a urinary tract analgesic; it exerts a topical analgesic effect on the urinary tract mucosa. A key, expected, and harmless side effect of this medication is that it turns the urine a bright reddish orange color. This is due to the dye being excreted through the kidneys and is an important teaching point to prevent patient alarm. Choice B rationale Pyuria refers to the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which is a sign of infection, such as cystitis or pyelonephritis. Phenazopyridine treats the symptoms (pain/burning) of a urinary tract infection but does not possess antibacterial properties, so it would not be expected to cause pyuria; rather, it may mask symptoms while the infection persists. Choice C rationale Visual disturbances are not a common or expected side effect of phenazopyridine. Common adverse effects are generally gastrointestinal, such as stomach upset or headache. If a client reports visual changes while taking this medication, it would warrant further investigation as it is not the typical pharmacological action. Choice D rationale Dysuria means painful or difficult urination, which is a symptom that phenazopyridine is specifically prescribed to alleviate, not a side effect it is expected to cause. The medication works by exerting a local anesthetic effect on the urinary tract lining, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort associated with the underlying condition.