The nurse is working in a pediatric surgical unit. In discussing patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in a preoperative parental meeting, which client would be a candidate for PCA?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is only appropriate for patients who are capable of understanding how to use the PCA device properly, and therefore should be used in children who are at least 10 years old. Additionally, PCA is often used for patients who have had major surgery, such as spinal fusion for scoliosis, which causes significant pain. Therefore, the 12-year-old who has had a postoperative spinal fusion for scoliosis is the best candidate for PCA.

The Nurse Is Working in a Pediatric Surgical Unit