Question

The nurse is caring for several clients who are receiving pharmacologic treatments for pain. Which type of treatment is the client who can self-administer a preset dose of intravenous opioids receiving?

1) Epidural injection
2) Transdermal patch
3) PCA
4) IM (intramuscular) opioid injection

Answer 1

The client who can self-administer a preset dose of intravenous opioids is receiving Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows them to manage their pain with a controlled dose of medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who can self-administer a preset dose of intravenous opioids is receiving a PCA, which stands for Patient-Controlled Analgesia. This method allows patients to manage their own pain by pressing a button to deliver a fixed dose of an opioid analgesic, such as morphine, fentanyl, or hydromorphone, directly into their bloodstream through an intravenous line. It is carefully monitored and programmed by healthcare professionals to limit the total dose delivered to prevent overdose. PCA is a common practice in hospitals for post-operative pain management or for patients who require long-term pain control.