Question

What type of pump is avoided with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) therapy?

1) Centrifugal pump
2) Positive displacement pump
3) Reciprocating pump
4) Diaphragm pump

Answer 1

Centrifugal pumps are avoided in patient controlled analgesia (PCA) therapy because they do not provide the precise control for small doses that PCA requires.

Step-by-step explanation:

In patient controlled analgesia (PCA) therapy, the type of pump that is generally avoided is the centrifugal pump. PCA devices typically use positive displacement pumps, including reciprocating pumps or diaphragm pumps, which allow for the precise control necessary to deliver small, controlled doses of medication, as demanded by the patient's needs. Centrifugal pumps are not typically used in medical applications requiring precise dosages because they are designed for continuous flow applications and are not as effective at delivering medications in the small, controlled volumes required for PCA therapy.