What it means
A pump, usually for an IV opioid analgesicOH-pee-oyd an-ul-JEE-zikA strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.Full entry , that lets the client give a small dose when pain starts. The prescriber sets the dose, the minimum time between doses (the lockout), and a maximum per hour, so the pump will not give more than ordered. Clients get relief faster and often use less medicine overall.
For the nurse
Only the client presses the button, never family or staff, unless the facility has a specific authorized-agent policy. Check sedation level, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation often, especially in the first 24 hours, and keep naloxone close by. Two nurses usually check the pump settings.
In a chart
"PCA morphine: client used 6 doses in 4 hours; pain 3/10, RR 16, easily roused."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | PCA. ISMP lists PCA as error-prone when it is used for the drug procainamide. |
|---|---|
| Also written | patient controlled analgesia |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
morphine
A strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
infusion pump
A machine that delivers IV fluid or medicine into the body at a set rate and amount.