Patient Controlled Analgesia
What is PCA?
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is when a specialised pump containing pain control medication is connected to the intravenous drip. The pump has a hand button attached to it. Pressing the button allows the patient to administer pain control medication whenever needed.
How does PCA work?
Your anaesthetist will prescribe the medication and dose especially suited to your needs. The nurse then prepares a pump with this individualized prescription programmed into the pump. When the button is pressed, the pump delivers a small dose of medication (as per program) directly into your intravenous drip.
This means you get your pain control immediately when you need it and as often as you need it.
The pain team will visit you daily to make sure your pain is controlled.
Who can push the button?
As you are the only one who can feel discomfort, you should be the only one to push the button. It is unsafe for your family or other visitors to push it instead
How often should the button be pressed?
The button can be pressed whenever you have pain. You can also press the button before you undertake some activity that may cause discomfort such as getting out of bed for the first time.
Can I take too much?
There are safety mechanisms within the pump that are set to ensure that the medication has time to work before a further dose is given. If the button is pressed within this time period no further medication will be delivered.
There are no electrical connections between you and the machine.
Can the medication cause addiction?
No. Research shows that it is highly unlikely for addiction to occur with controlled short term use of PCA. Indeed patients using this method often use less pain control medication than those taking the usual injections.
What are the side effects?
- drowsiness may be a side effect of pain medication. If you feel drowsy, do not press the button.
- nausea and vomiting
- difficulty passing urine.
If you have any problems please discuss them with your nurse.
What can I do to get the best results from PCA?
Help the doctors and nurses to ‘measure’ your pain. You will be asked to score your pain on a scale from zero to ten, zero being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable.
- initially, you may have to push the button several times before you get comfortable
- tell your nurse if your pain is not well controlled
- remember to push the button before you attempt to move/get out of bed
- tell the nurse if you feel nauseated/sick
- remember to do the deep breathing and leg exercises as instructed. You will be given oxygen enriched air through a mask or nasal prongs ensure you keep this in place.
- simple relaxation may be helpful, try slow deep breathing.
Will I have to stay in bed?
No, you will still be able to mobilise when permitted by the surgeon. Although the pump is generally plugged into the wall, it also has battery power that allows freedom to move around.
How long will it stay in?
The average is 2 to 3 days after surgery, or until you are able to take tablets by mouth.