A client has been prescribed the opioid combination drug Novahistine DM for control of cough. This drug contains codeine, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine. Which instructions should the nurse provide as part of medication education?

Question

1. "Drink a full glass of water when taking this medication."
2. "Keep this medication at your bedside so you can take it as needed."
3. "Take this drug exactly as indicated."
4. "If you have head or body aches you may take any over-the-counter analgesic."
5. "Do not make important decisions or operate machinery while taking this drug."

Answer 1

3,4,5
Rationale 1: The medication should be taken without water, and the client should not drink anything for 30–60 minutes.
Rationale 2: Hydrocodone is an opioid with the adverse effect of drowsiness. The client may inadvertently overdose if taking as needed or if taking doses while drowsy.
Rationale 3: Taking too much of this drug can cause oversedation. It also contains acetaminophen which should be taken only as directed.
Rationale 4: The client can take an over-the-counter analgesic.
Rationale 5: The hydrocodone component of this drug will make the client drowsy and may impact the ability to make decisions.
Global Rationale: Taking too much of this drug can cause oversedation. The client can take an over-the-counter analgesic. The hydrocodone component of this drug will make the client drowsy and may impact the ability to make decisions. The medication should be taken without water, and the client should not drink anything for 30–60 minutes. Hydrocodone is an opioid with the adverse effect of drowsiness. The client may inadvertently overdose if taking as needed or if taking doses while drowsy.