PCA

Question 1

with PCA, the drug levels are kept more ____ and remain in the ____ ____

Answer 1

constant, therapeutic window

Question 2

initial large dose given to bring the level of analgesia to the therapeutic window

Answer 2

loading dose

Question 3

amount of drug that can be self administered by the patient each time they activate the PCA

Answer 3

demand dose

Question 4

minimum amount of time allowed between each demand dose

Answer 4

lockout interval

Question 5

What term describes the small amount of analgesic that can be continuously administered and provides low background level of analgesia? It isn’t commonly used and can lead to risk of side effects

Answer 5

background infusion rate

Question 6

What term describes how the PCA system records the total times the patient demanded the medication vs. how many times they were allowed to have it?

Answer 6

successful versus total demands

Question 7

What are the benefits of using PCA for pain management in rehab?

Answer 7

they typically are more alert and you don’t have to schedule therapy around medication so they become more mobile with less pain

Question 8

What is something you need to be on the lookout when a patient is using a PCA?

Answer 8

should monitor for signs of problems or malfunction with PCA -> opioid overdose