The physician orders "acyclovir (Zovirax), 200 mg P.O., every 4 hours while awake" for a client with herpes zoster. The nurse should inform the client that this drug may cause:

Diarrhea.

RATIONALE: Oral acyclovir may cause such adverse GI effects as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It isnt associated with palpitations, dizziness, or a metallic taste. CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies COGNITIVE LEVEL: Knowledge REFERENCE: Karch, A.M. 2007 Lippincotts Nursing Drug Guide. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, p. 77.