codeine ( antitussive: opioids)

Question 1

pharmacological class of codeine

Answer 1

antitussive (opioid)

Question 2

pharmacological action of codeine

Answer 2

suppress cough through its action on the central nervous system to increase cough threshold

Question 3

therapeutic use of codeine

Answer 3

used for chronic nonproductive cough to decrease the frequency and intensity

Question 4

complications of codeine

Answer 4

CNS effects
GI distress
opioid use disorder

Question 5

what CNS effects can codeine cause

Answer 5

dizziness; lightheadedness; drowsiness; respiratory depression

Question 6

what GI distress symptoms can codeine cause

Answer 6

nausea vomiting constipation

Question 7

nursing interventions for CNS effects due to codeine

Answer 7

obtain baseline vitals
monitor clients when ambulating
observe for manifestations of respiratory depression— breaths less than 12 breaths/min
stimulate the client to breathe if respiratory depression occurs
administer naloxone if respiratory depression occurs

Question 8

what should clients do if they feel lightheaded while on codeine

Answer 8

change positions slowly and lie down if feeling lightheaded

Question 9

what activities should clients avoid if they are taking codeine

Answer 9

avoid activities that require alertness– driving; operating heavy machinery while taking codeine

Question 10

if a client is experiencing respiratory depression what medication should be administered

Answer 10

naloxone

Question 11

what can a patient do to avoid GI distress while taking codeine

Answer 11

take oral codeine with food; increase fluids and dietary fiber

Question 12

because codeine has potential for opioid use disorder how long should it be used for

Answer 12

short duration

Question 13

because codeine has potential to cause opioid use disorder what should you tell the client

Answer 13

opioids have a potential for abuse

Question 14

why should codeine be used with caution in patients who are pregnant

Answer 14

use with caution; can cause respiratory depression to newborn

Question 15

codeine is contraindicated for which patients

Answer 15

lactating
respiratory depression
acute asthma
head trauma
liver and renal dysfunction
acute alcohol use disorder

Question 16

codeine when used alone is in which class of the controlled substances act

Answer 16

schedule II class

Question 17

codeine when mixed with other antitussives is classified as

Answer 17

Schedule V

Question 18

codeine should be used cautiously with which patients

Answer 18

pregnant
children
older adults
clients who have a history of substance use disorder

Question 19

what should be avoided while on codeine

Answer 19

avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants

Question 20

how is effectiveness of codeine evaluated

Answer 20

reduction if frequency/intensity of nonproductive cough
pain relief (analgesic)