Final answer:
Using a cough suppressant before bed is not recommended for a productive cough, as it can hinder the process of expelling mucus. Instead, treatments like expectorants are suggested. For an unproductive cough, a cough suppressant may be beneficial, especially to improve sleep quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using a cough suppressant before bedtime is not necessarily a good first step to prevent disruption from coughing if the cough is productive, that is, if there is mucus being coughed up. Cough suppressants work by affecting the nervous system to suppress the urge to cough. However, health professionals recommend against using cough suppressants when the patient has a productive cough because it is important for the body to expel the mucus. In such cases, other treatments such as expectorants, which are substances claimed to make coughing easier while enhancing the production of mucus, are suggested. Therefore, the answer to the question would be b) False, because if the cough is productive, suppression is not advised.
It is important to understand the difference between a productive cough and an unproductive one. An unproductive cough, which is dry and does not produce mucus, might benefit from a cough suppressant, especially if it disrupts sleep. When in doubt, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an appropriate treatment plan.