Question

The health care provider (HCP) has prescribed codeine sulfate for a client with a nonproductive cough to suppress the cough reflex. The nurse should teach the client to monitor for which side effect of the medication?

1) Constipation
2) Painful coughing
3) Increased urination
4) Difficulty swallowing

Answer 1

The nurse should teach the client to monitor for constipation as a side effect when taking codeine sulfate to suppress a nonproductive cough.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should teach the client to monitor for the side effect of constipation when taking codeine sulfate to suppress a nonproductive cough. Codeine is an opioid medication, and constipation is a common side effect of opioids. The drug acts by binding to opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down intestinal motility and can lead to constipation.