Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 206
When administering codeine, the nurse should be aware that:
A. Codeine produces more sedation than other opiates.
B. Codeine causes diarrhea, so the client must take an additional drug to prevent this.
C. Codeine is very constipating.
D. Codeine is antitussive in high doses.
Correct Answer: C. Codeine is very constipating.
Codeine is very constipating, so the client’s diet should include foods that fight constipation, such as water, fruits, and vegetables. Constipation is one of the most common adverse effects of codeine. Most patients report some constipation following the initiation of therapy or increases in dose. With continued exposure, the resolution of constipation does not occur. The clinician should advise stool softeners along with codeine.
Option A: Clouded mentation or sedation following codeine initiation tends to fade over time. During initiation or increasing doses, patients should receive counsel about considering precautions at work and restrictions with driving. They should also understand the effects and risks with concomitant exposure to other substances and drugs with sedating effects.
Option B: Constipation is one of the most common adverse effects of codeine. Most patients report some constipation following the initiation of therapy or increases in dose. With continued exposure, the resolution of constipation does not occur.
Option D: Codeine is useful in the treatment of various etiologies producing chronic cough. Also, 46% of patients with chronic cough do not have a distinct etiology despite a proper diagnostic evaluation. Codeine produces a decrease in cough frequency and severity in these patients.