Drugs Flashcards
PCA
4 atributes
1) Self administered analgesic
2) Anesthetic
3) Continuous pain control
4) Either opioids or epidural local anesthetic
loading dose
initial, single dose used to bring analgesic level to the therapeutic window
demand dose
the amount of drug delivered when the patient activates the delivery mechanism
lockout interval
the set time between each demand dose; prevents patients from self-administering too much medication
1 and 4 hr limits
used to set how much drug can be delivered in a 1 or 4 hour time period. However, the demand dose and lockout interval already determine this factor
background infusion rate
provides continuous infusion of a drug in tandem with the demand dose. Helps to maintain an optimal level of analgesia
successful v. total demand
Every time patients attempt to activate their PAC, the system records the attempt. Successful attempts occur when the pt receives the drug. Pts may also attempt during the lockout period. If many unsuccessful demands are made, the demand dose may be adjusted to better control the patient’s pain.
benfits of PCA
1) May enable earlier participation in post-op rehab
2) Patients may be more alert and experience fewer side effects
3) Patient may be more mobile
disadvantages of PCA
1) Medication may make patient drowsy
2) Watch for shows signs of respiratory depression, excessive sedation
3) Be aware of potential pump malfunction/problems
4) Pump may not deliver adequate pain control