Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
Imagine - just a simple push of a button and pain can be controlled!
That is how Patient-Controlled Analgesia (an-al-geez-ya) or PCA
works. Analgesia means "without pain." PCA is a wonderful
invention designed to help people of all ages control pain after
surgery.
Before Surgery
Before the operation, the doctor, nurse, and/or anesthesiologist
(an-is-these-eee-all-o-gist) discuss PCA with the patients and
their parents. An anesthesiologist is a special doctor who helps
the patient stay asleep during the surgery. All questions are
answered.
How Does It Work?
The PCA unit is shaped like a box mounted on a tall metal stand.
It is equipped with a pump attached to an intravenous line, or
IV. An IV is a flexible clear plastic tube connected to a blood
vessel in the hand or arm. Medicine flows through the tubing into
the patient. It does not hurt.
Patients are given a little push button device to hold in their
hands. A quick push of the button is all that is needed to help
relieve pain. PCA helps patients control their own pain without
waiting for a nurse or needing shots. Pain relief around the clock!
Any child old enough to play video games can easily learn to use
the PCA.
Not Too Much Medicine!
First, the doctor orders the type of drug best for the patient.
There are different kinds. The dose, or amount to be given, is
based on how much the child weighs. Children weigh less than adults
and receive a smaller dose.
The doctor and nurses check everyday to make sure the patient
is comfortable. If the dose is not enough to control the pain,
the doctor changes the order.
PCA won't let the patient take more medicine than allowed. The
PCA unit is programmed to deliver the exact amount the doctor
ordered. Each time the patient pushes the button, the PCA unit
adds up the amount of medicine used. There is no reason to worry
about getting too much - the unit automatically locks up before
too much medicine is delivered.
Other Benefits
Just think, pain control without shots! Plus, smaller, incremental
doses of medicine mean less sleepiness and weakness. Overall,
the patient uses less pain medicine than when shots are given
to control pain. It helps the patient to get up, walk, and move
around sooner. This increases circulation and can speed healing.
After surgery, PCA may be used for a few days. The number of days
depends on the patient's needs. Everyone has different needs.
When the PCA is no longer needed, the doctor orders different
pain medication. This medicine may come in pill or liquid form.