Question

A client has been prescribed patient-controlled analgesia and the nurse is setting up the system and educating the client about safe and effective use of PCA. Which teaching point should the nurse provide to the client?

A. "The pump is programmed so that it's not possible for you to overdose on your pain medication."
B. "I'll have the unit's care aide come check on you every few minutes after I set up the system."
C. "We'll be monitoring your use of the system closely, to ensure you don't develop an addiction to your pain medication."
D. "If you feel severe pain, either push the button yourself or ask one of your family members to push the button."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to push the button themselves or ask a family member to push it when experiencing severe pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should provide the teaching point D to the client: "If you feel severe pain, either push the button yourself or ask one of your family members to push the button." With patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), the client has control over administering their pain medication, ensuring that they receive relief when needed. By pushing the button when experiencing severe pain, the client can effectively manage their pain without risking an overdose or addiction.