Question

A client has been admitted to a post-surgical unit with a PCA system. Which statement is true of this medication delivery system?

Option 1: The dose that is delivered when the client activates the machine is preset.
Option 2: Thorough client education is necessary to prevent overdoses.
Option 3: Use of opioid analgesics in a PCA is contraindicated due to the risk of respiratory depression.
Option 4: An antidote is automatically delivered if the client exceeds the recommended dose.

Answer 1

A PCA system allows the client to self-administer pain medication within predetermined limits. Thorough client education is necessary to prevent overdoses.

Step-by-step explanation:

A PCA system stands for Patient Controlled Analgesia system. Option 1 is true - the dose that is delivered when the client activates the machine is preset. This allows the client to self-administer pain medication within predetermined limits. Option 2 is also true - thorough client education is necessary to prevent overdoses. Patients must be educated on how to properly use the PCA system to avoid accidentally administering too much medication. Option 3 is false - opioids are commonly used in a PCA system for effective pain management. Option 4 is false - an antidote is not automatically delivered if the client exceeds the recommended dose.