Description

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is an effective method of pain control if used in a patient who is able to understand and operate the device. Part of the protocol for use of patient-controlled analgesia should be an assessment for suitability.


 

A person who is using PCA:

(1) must be able to operate the pump correctly

(2) must be able to understand how to use PCA

 

Patients who are not suitable candidates for PCA:

(1) a pediatric patient < 5 years of age

(2) a patient who is confused (elderly, from medication, after head injury, etc)

(3) a patient with moderate to severe intellectual impairment

(4) a patient with an impaired level of consciousness

(5) a patient with risk factors for respiratory depression (severe obesity, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, other)

(6) a patient receiving a concurrent drug or with a concurrent illness that may unexpectedly potentiate the effect of the opiate

(7) a patient who is unable to effectively control the device (paralysis, etc).

 


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