A client has been prescribed the opioid combination drug Hycomine Compound for control of cough. This drug contains hydrocodone, phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine, and acetaminophen

Question

Which instructions should the nurse provide as part of medication education?
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

Correct Answer: 3,5
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 should not take any other preparation that contains acetaminophen to avoid overdose.
Rationale 5: The hydrocodone component of this drug will make the client drowsy and may impact the ability to make decisions.