Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the client to report persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider due to potential disruption of beneficial bacteria by erythromycin. Clients should not take antacids close to the time they take erythromycin, as this could reduce drug absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the nurse should include in the teaching for a client with urethritis who has a new prescription for oral erythromycin is, "Report persistent diarrhea to the provider." This is important because antibiotics like erythromycin can kill off beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, potentially leading to conditions like diarrhea or yeast infections. Therefore, it is crucial for clients to monitor for this side effect. The nurse should not instruct the client to take the medication with milk, as dairy products can interfere with the absorption of erythromycin. Although erythromycin does not typically cause vision loss, it is important to be aware that it inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria by binding to ribosomal subunits.
Additionally, it is important to highlight that antacids may reduce the effectiveness of erythromycin by altering the drug's absorption. Clients should avoid taking antacids within two hours before or after taking erythromycin. Understanding these instructions can help the client manage their symptoms effectively while minimizing potential side effects.