Question

The nurse has just completed programming of a PCA pump using prescribed parameters. Which action should the nurse take next?

Option 1: Check the pump's electrical cords for cracks, splits, or fraying.
Option 2: Document implementation of the PCA on the client's chart.
Option 3: Attach the PCA pump tubing to the client's intravenous access device.
Option 4: Verify the settings with another nurse.

Answer 1

The nurse should attach the PCA pump tubing to the client's intravenous access device.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should take the next action of attaching the PCA pump tubing to the client's intravenous access device. This is an essential step in administering medication via the PCA pump as it ensures the medication is delivered directly into the client's bloodstream. Checking the pump's electrical cords for cracks, splits, or fraying can be done prior to programming, and documenting the implementation of the PCA on the client's chart should be done after the tubing is attached. Verifying the settings with another nurse is not necessary at this point if the nurse has already completed programming using the prescribed parameters.