A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for codeine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "You should change positions slowly." – Codeine is an opioid that can cause orthostatic hypotension, so clients should be advised to change positions slowly to prevent dizziness or fainting. B. "You should limit alcohol intake to 12 ounces daily." – This is inappropriate. Alcohol should be avoided completely while taking codeine, as both are central nervous system depressants and combining them increases the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. C. "You should take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea." – Opioids can cause gastrointestinal upset, and taking them with food is often recommended to reduce nausea. D. "You should expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication." – Codeine commonly causes constipation, not diarrhea, due to its slowing effect on gastrointestinal motility.