A surgical patient has just been admitted to the unit from PACU with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The nurse should know that the requirements for safe and effective use of PCA include what?
A) A clear understanding of the need to self-dose
B) An understanding of how to adjust the medication dosage
C) A caregiver who can administer the medication as ordered
D) An expectation of infrequent need for analgesia
Ans: A
Feedback:
The two requirements for PCA are an understanding of the need to self-dose and the physical ability to self-dose. The patient does not adjust the dose and only the patient himself or herself should administer a dose. PCAs are normally used for patients who are expected to have moderate to severe pain with a regular need for analgesia.
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