A primary advantage of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that:
A. It allows the family to participate in pain management for the client
B. The electronic pump prevents mistakes in medication administration
C. It can be used by all clients
D. It provides a more constant serum level
D
D. PCA allows more constant serum levels of the opioid and, as a result, avoids the peaks and troughs of a large bolus. Because the blood level is maintained within a narrow range of the minimum effective analgesia concentration for the individual, pain relief is enhanced and the incidence of side effects, such as sedation and respiratory depression, is decreased.
A. Potential concerns involving PCA use are client-related, pump failure, or operator errors. Clients may misunderstand how PCA therapy works, mistake the PCA button for the nurse call button, or have family members who operate the demand button. Instruct family not to push timing device for the client unless client is unable to push the button himself or herself and the nurse has instructed family.
B. The pump may fail to deliver drug on demand, have a faulty alarm or low battery, or lack free-flow protection. Operators may incorrectly program the dose, concentration, or rate.
C. Assess client's cognitive ability to determine the appropriateness of client for PCA pain management.
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