Question

The nurse on a surgery unit is evaluating which client would be appropriate for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which client would not be appropriate for PCA?

A
A 71-year-old client with numerous arthritic nodules on their hands.
B
A 16-year-old client who reads at a fourth-grade level.
C
A 25-year-old client with a history of Down syndrome.
D
A 4-year-old client with intermittent episodes of alertness.

Answer 1

Not all clients are appropriate candidates for Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA). Clients with limited dexterity, cognitive limitations, or difficulty understanding instructions may not be suitable for PCA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows patients to self-administer pain medication through a device connected to an intravenous line or a catheter. However, certain clients may not be appropriate candidates for PCA:

• A 71-year-old client with numerous arthritic nodules on their hands: This client may have limited dexterity and may have difficulty manipulating the PCA device.
• A 16-year-old client who reads at a fourth-grade level: This client may have difficulty understanding and following the instructions for using the PCA device.
• A 25-year-old client with a history of Down syndrome: This client may have cognitive limitations that could affect their ability to safely use the PCA device.
• A 4-year-old client with intermittent episodes of alertness: This client may not have the cognitive ability to safely use the PCA device.