Opioid Analgesics

Opioid Analgesics ( 5 Questions)

A nurse is preparing to administer codeine to a client who has a cough. The client asks the nurse why codeine is used for cough suppression.
What should the nurse say?



Correct Answer: C

Codeine acts on opioid receptors in your brainstem to suppress the activity of your cough centre and decrease your urge to cough. This is how codeine works as an antitussive or cough suppressant.

Choice A is wrong because codeine does not block pain signals from reaching your cough centre. Codeine blocks pain signals from reaching your brain and spinal cord, which is how it works as an analgesic or pain reliever.

Choice B is wrong because codeine does not act on opioid receptors in your lungs. Codeine does not reduce inflammation or mucus production that triggers your cough reflex.

Choice D is wrong because codeine does not act on opioid receptors in your throat. Codeine does not numb the nerve endings that stimulate your cough reflex.




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