PCA, or patient-controlled analgesia, refers to a method of pain management where a patient self-administers pain medication using a programmable pump. The drugs used in PCA are typically opioid pain medications. Common examples include:
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Hydromorphone
These drugs are delivered intravenously (IV) via the PCA pump, allowing patients to manage their pain effectively within pre-set safety limits determined by their doctor. The pump is programmed to release a specific dose of medication when the patient presses a button, but it also has lockout intervals to prevent overdosing.
