This article explains the complexities of this increasingly popular method of pain control. It was first published in Nursing Standard, December 1,1993. Readers who successfully submitted an assessment on first publication may not do so again
The aim of this continuing education article is to develop the reader's understanding of the basic principles of patient-controlled analgesia, its clinical uses and the factors that influence its effectiveness. At the end of the article, you should be able to:
Explain briefly how a PCA system works
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of PCA
Understand the importance of monitoring a patient using PCA
Explain the importance of patient control.
This article relates to UKCC Professional Development Category: Care enhancement.
Nursing Standard. 9, 35, 31-37. doi: 10.7748/ns.9.35.31.s31
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