Which instruction will the nurse give to the patient about proper use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) ?

A) "Wait until the pain becomes severe before pushing the PCA button."
B) "The PCA will deliver medication through the IV until the pain is all gone."
C) "You or a designated family member are the only one who gets to push the PCA button-nobody else may do so."
D) "The PCA will give additional pain medication whenever the button is pushed."

Question

Amazing Gracie · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The patient should be instructed not to let anyone else push the PCA pain button to avoid overdosage.One family member or significant other can be the patient's primary pain manager and is allowed to push the PCA button.The patient should not wait until the pain becomes severe to push the PCA button.The PCA will have preset time limitations to determine how frequently the patient will receive a dose of pain medication no matter how often the button is pushed.The PCA will not continue to administer medication until the pain is completely relieved.

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