A client is prescribed rifampin. Which statement about body fluids is accurate?

• A. Only urine may be discolored.
• B. Rifampin has no effect on body fluids.
• C. Urine, tears, and sweat may be orange-red.
• D. It causes permanent blue discoloration of all body fluids.

Answer: (C)

Rifampin can stain body fluids because it contains an orange-red pigment that is excreted in the urine and other secretions. This is a normal, harmless effect, so patients may notice orange-red discoloration in urine, tears, and sweat, and it can even color contact lenses or fabrics. The color change is not permanent and does not reflect any underlying problem.

The other statements miss the known effect: the drug does change body fluids and the discoloration is orange-red, not blue, and it’s not limited to urine.