What should a nurse instruct a patient to monitor for when taking nitrofurantoin?

When a patient is prescribed nitrofurantoin, it is essential for the nurse to instruct them to monitor for signs such as cough and chest pain. Nitrofurantoin is primarily used as an antibiotic for urinary tract infections, but it has potential pulmonary side effects, particularly with long-term use. Patients may develop pulmonary reactions, leading to symptoms such as cough and chest pain, which can indicate a serious condition, such as pulmonary toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions.

Recognizing these symptoms early allows for timely assessment and intervention, which may include discontinuing the medication if necessary. This is particularly important because the patient may not associate respiratory symptoms with a medication that is primarily used for treating infections. Therefore, monitoring for cough and chest pain is a crucial aspect of patient education related to the safe use of nitrofurantoin.