Question

A middle-age client with cancer has been prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The nurse caring for the client explains the functioning of PCA. What is the main advantage of PCA?

A. The client is actively involved in pain management.
B. The client is able to have long hours of rest.
C. The client requires less nursing care.
D. The client obtains pain relief slowly and steadily.

Answer 1

The primary advantage of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it empowers the client to actively participate in their pain management, allowing for timely and personalized pain relief.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main advantage of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that the client is actively involved in pain management. PCA allows clients to administer their pain medication, usually by pressing a button, when they feel the need for pain relief. This method ensures that pain relief is tailored to the individual's perception of pain and provides several benefits:

• Better pain control since the client administers medication before the pain becomes too severe.
• Increased patient satisfaction because of the control they have over their pain management.
• Reduced anxiety related to fear of pain, as the client knows they can manage pain as needed.

While PCA does allow for some periods of rest and may sometimes reduce the need for frequent nursing interventions for pain management, these are secondary advantages. The primary benefit is the empowerment of the client to manage their pain according to their need, which can lead to more effective pain control overall.