A nurse in the emergency department admitted a client who is having a myocardial infarction. The client has been placed on the heart monitor. Which of the following electrocardiogram strips is indicative of a myocardial infarction?

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: This choice suggests that the provider will prescribe a different medication regimen. However, this is not necessarily the case. Rifampin is a first-line medication for tuberculosis and its side effects, including the discoloration of body fluids, are well-known and expected. Therefore, it is unlikely that the provider would change the medication regimen solely based on this side effect.

Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer. Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can cause a harmless red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, tears, and saliva. This is an expected side effect of the medication and does not indicate any harm or toxicity. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this is a normal occurrence and does not require any changes to the medication regimen.

Choice C rationale: This choice suggests that the red-orange discoloration of the client’s saliva may indicate possible medication toxicity. However, this is not accurate. While rifampin can have serious side effects, including liver damage and severe gastrointestinal upset, the discoloration of body fluids is not a sign of toxicity. It is a harmless side effect of the medication.

Choice D rationale: This choice suggests that the client will need to increase her fluid intake to resolve the problem. However, increasing fluid intake will not change the discoloration caused by rifampin. The discoloration is a result of the medication itself and is not influenced by the client’s hydration status.

Desmopressin is a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water balance in the body. Diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by a deficiency or resistance to ADH, resulting in excessive urination and thirst. Desmopressin helps reduce urine output and prevent dehydration by mimicking the action of ADH on the kidneys. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by interfering with the response of the kidneys to ADH. Regular insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus, as it lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells.

Furosemide is a diuretic that increases urine output and can worsen dehydration in clients with diabetes insipidus.