A patient has questions regarding a recently prescribed antitussive agent. Which response by the nurse is the best?

A. "It will reduce the frequency of your cough. Antitussives suppress the cough reflex and may reduce how often the patient coughs. However, this answer is vague and does not address the patient's concern and doesn't provide specific guidance on usage. B. "It should be used in the morning." Antitussives are not recommended for use in the morning unless the cough is disruptive to daytime function. Taking them in the morning could lead to daytime drowsiness, if the medication contains sedating agents like codeine. C. "It should be taken before sleep." This is the best response because antitussives are often most beneficial at night when coughing can disrupt sleep. Administering them before bed helps reduce nocturnal coughing and supports rest, which is essential for recovery. D. "It will eliminate your cough at night." While antitussives may greatly reduce coughing, they do not guarantee total elimination of the cough. This statement creates unrealistic expectations and may mislead the patient regarding the effectiveness of the medication.