Quote:
(Elaine Wenderholm) writes:
>I'm curious about the new (new to me, at least) technology to administer
>pain medication for post-operative patients.
>There is a self-administering pain medication system that the patient can
>trigger to release medication on an as-needed basis.
>However, this system is controlled so that only a certain amount can be
>administered, that is, you can't overmedicate yourself.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is just one option of many for post-op pain
control. It does have certain in certain patients. As you mentioned, it does
have some psychological benefit in some people because of retaining control.
Another benefit is its rapid action. It is comprised of narcotics that are
administered directly intravenously (typically Morphine, Demerol, or Dilaudid).
By that route, they will begin working within 5 minutes rather than the 15 to
30 minutes an injection into muscle will take to work. Modification of dose is
tremendously easier and can be more readily tailored to a particular persons
needs. Some people hurt more than others and some surgeries (or medical
conditions) hurt more than others. If available, it usually is a great way to
go. As far as the IV goes, a post-op patient will usually have an IV anyway
for other reasons. Once the IV is ready to come out, the patient is usually
ready to take pain medication by mouth.
Post Op Pain Medication