After undergoing prostate surgery, a patient is discharged on the medication phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) to assist with urinary catheter discomfort. What information will the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Question

a. Urine will have a foul smell while taking this medication.
b. Diarrhea and abdominal cramping are expected adverse effects.
c. The sclera of the eye is yellow while on therapy.
d. Urine will appear reddish orange.

Answer 1

ANS: D
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is used to produce a local anesthetic effect on the mucosa of the ureters and bladder. Patients should be instructed that phenazopyridine causes urine to become reddish orange, which is not a cause for alarm. Other secretions may also be reddish orange and contact lenses may become stained. Phenazopyridine does not cause a foul odor in the urine. Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of phenazopyridine. Icterus is a sign of hepatic damage and should be reported to the health care provider.