P.C.A. - Patient Controlled Analgesia

What is P.C.A.?

P.C.A., or Patient Controlled Analgesia, is a system of medicine delivery that lets you safely manage your own pain through a pump with tubing that is attached to you.

How does P.C.A. work?

The P.C.A. infuser, which attaches to an IV pole next to your bed, contains a syringe filled with the pain medication your doctor has prescribed. The nurse connects your intravenous line to the P.C.A. infuser. You control the infuser with a hand held device that functions similarly to a call button.

When you feel pain, a push on the button releases a controlled, pre-determined amount of medication directly into your bloodstream, for superior pain control with less medication. You will begin to feel relief right away. P.C.A. works quicker than shots given with a needle into your muscle.

Is P.C.A. safe?

The PCA infuser has a lockout period that prevents the delivery of doses too close together. It is carefully programmed to deliver only a specifically prescribed amount of medication over a certain length of time and no more.

The P.C.A. infuser has built-in safety controls and alarms that immediately alert your nurse to possible problems.

Can I walk around with P.C.A. infuser?

Yes. The P.C.A. infuser is lightweight and battery operated. Attached to your IV pole, it moves easily and safely along with you.

Important notes:

You should be the only person to press your PCA button because only you know if you need it.

If you have questions about your P.C.A. device, ask your health care provider.

Health Education Index