Pain and PCA Flashcards
(17 cards)
PCA’s are either
IV or Epidural
What is the cardinal rule for PCA pumps
Only the patient pushes the PCA button.
PCA Bolus
This is the amount of medication (in ml) the patient gets every time he pushes the button
Lockout time
the amount of time the pump is locked after the bolus is administered
Lockout time is typically
6 or 10 mins
Basal Rate
The automatic dose the patient gets every hour. Can be zero
What type of PCA does get basal rate and what type does not get basal rate
Epidural typically have basal rate
IV pca typically do not have basal rates
If a patient makes 5 attempts in 6 minutes, he will still only receive 1 bolus of medication. Indicates two things
- Patient not getting enough pain medication and should consult doctor for another pain assessment
- He does not understand the lockout interval and or know how to use the PCA machine
What are the two origins of pain?
Nociceptive and Neuropathic
What closes the gate with the gate theory control of pain?
A alpha and A beta stimulation.
These are large diameter nerve fibers
Rubbing, pressure, hot, cold, etc.
What is the pathway for fast pain?
A-delta fibers
What is the pathway for slow pain?
C-fibers
Pain threshold
The least amount of pain a person can recognize
Pain tolerance
The ability to withstand pain stimuli without demonstrating physical signs of pain
Addiction
Overwhelming involvement with obtaining a drug for psychic effects
Tolerance
The opioid begins to lose its effectiveness and larger doses are necessary. This would happen to everyone who was on opioids for an extended period.
Dependence
Withdrawal symptoms would occur if the drug were to be withdrawn abruptly.
