A patient admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is prescribed pain medication through a PCA pump. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient and family about the proper use of the pump?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. The patient should be taught to use the PCA pump at the start of pain. Pain is easier to control when it is less severe. Waiting to use the pump will make it difficult to achieve adequate pain control.
2. The PCA should only be administered by the patient in order to prevent accidental overdosing.
3. PCA is the preferred method of pain management. It allows the patient more control and provides more effective pain relief.
4. The PCA does have a dose and time lockout to help prevent an overdose of medication.

A Patient Admitted to the ICU with a Diagnosis of Acute