When advising a client on allopurinol, which symptom should be monitored closely?

Allopurinol is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like gout and certain types of kidney stones by reducing uric acid levels in the body. One of the most serious potential side effects of allopurinol is an adverse skin reaction, which can manifest as a skin rash.

Monitoring for a skin rash is crucial because some rashes can develop into severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are life-threatening conditions. Prompt identification and management are essential to prevent these serious complications. Additionally, the presence of a rash can indicate that the patient may need to discontinue the medication.

Other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, dry mouth, and increased urination, can occur but are generally not as critical to monitor closely in the context of allopurinol therapy. While they may warrant attention, they do not carry the same level of risk as a potential severe skin reaction.