Question

Which of the following is the most important rationale for qualifying a patient for a PCA?

a. determine if this pain method will relieve the patient's pain
b. evaluate if the patient is mentally alert and able to comply with instructions
c. assess the level of pain and use if the patient reports pain at a "6" or higher
d. use the PCA only for acute and breakthrough pain

Answer 1

Qualifying a patient for PCA primarily focuses on ensuring the patient is mentally alert and capable of safely operating the PCA device. Mental alertness is essential to prevent overdose and ensure effective use of PCA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important rationale for qualifying a patient for Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is to evaluate if the patient is mentally alert and able to comply with instructions. PCA is a method where patients control their own pain medication through a machine. This method requires the patient to understand the use of the device and to press a button to administer the pain medication when needed. Mental alertness is crucial because it ensures the patient's safety by preventing overdose and ensuring that the PCA is used effectively.

While determining if the PCA will relieve the patient's pain and assessing the level of pain are important, these considerations are secondary to ensuring the patient can safely operate the PCA device. Acute and breakthrough pain management are used for PCA, but the ability to understand and comply with the PCA is foundational for its use. Using a pain assessment tool like the Mosby pain rating scale may assist in evaluating the patient's pain level but does not determine their cognitive ability to use PCA.