Using a PCA Pump

PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) allows you to push a button to get a dose of pain medicine. It is most commonly given through an IV (intravenous) line, a thin tube that goes into your vein. But you may also get pain medicine under the skin (subcutaneously) or into your spine (epidural space).  PCA offers you a more constant level of pain relief than when medicine is given only when you ask for it.

Healthcare provider showing PCA pump button to woman lying in hospital bed.

PCA pumps deliver opioids

  • Opioids are the most common medicines used to relieve pain after surgery.

  • Opioids affect pain centers at the spinal cord and in the brain. They are the medicine of choice to control even severe pain.

  • When used for a short time to control serious pain after surgery, or to treat other types of acute pain, opioids are not addictive.

  • Opioids may cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, itching, rash, headaches, and, less commonly, breathing problems.

  • Let your healthcare provider know if you have any side effects.

PCA pumps have safety features

  • Your nurse programs the pump according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. You may just have the individual doses programmed. Or your healthcare provider may order continuous infusion along with the individual doses.

  • A safe dose of medicine is delivered each time you push the PCA button.

  • The pumps have a lockout time. During this time, you won’t get a dose of medicine even if you press the button.

  • You can get only a certain amount of medicine each hour. This is to reduce the chance for unwanted effects such as oversedation or breathing problems.

Safety monitoring during PCA use

  • Your nurse will need to monitor you often while you are using the PCA pump. The nurse may need to wake you up in order to assess for breathing problems and other side effects.

  • Family and friends staying with you during recovery should report any concerns of breathing problems or other side effects to the nurse or doctor right away.

Important!

No one but the patient should push the PCA button. This includes your family or friends. If anyone but you pushes the button, you may get medicine when you don’t need it. This can cause life-threatening complications. It can also keep the pain medicine from working when you do need it.