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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

A Surgical Patient Has Just Been Admitted to the Unit