PCA, Clinical Pathways and Epidurals Flashcards
What are pre & post clinical pathways/care paths/ preprinted orders?
Pre-printed forms/orders that are used as a method of outlining a patient’s path of treatment and Doctors orders for a specific diagnosis, procedure, or symptoms each day pre & post op.
What is a PCA Pump?
A patient controlled analgesia pump allows the patient to self-administer small doses of narcotics intravenously, a special IV infusion pump is used.
Who sets up the PCA?
PCA set-up, infusion and discontinuation is monitored by the Anesthetist, the nurse fills the pump with the narcotic and instructs the patient on use.
How do we transcribe PCA orders on the Kardex and the MAR?
Kardex under the IV or treatment section - “PCA Orders”
MAR - “PCA Orders” on routine MAR
When are Epidurals most commonly used?
Abdominal and lower extremity surgeries where the patient needs to be awake or it is unsafe to use a general anesthetic.
How do we transcribe Epidural orders on the Kardex and the MAR?
Kardex under the IV or treatment section - “Epidural Orders”
MAR - “Epidural Orders” on routine MAR
Give 3 examples of clinical pathways used at various hospital sites?
THR, TKR, C/S, TUPR, BSO
What’s a post-op clinicla pathway?
A pre-printed form that is a method of outlining a patients path of treatment following a specific procedure.
What types of surgical patients might have a PCA order?
Post-operative pain management for a variety of surgical procedures.
