RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 643 of 2368

A client using a patient-controlled analgesia pump asks why pressing the button more often does not give extra medication. What is the best explanation?

  1. The pump gives a dose only when the nurse approves it
  2. The pump gives medication only every hour
  3. The button works only when pain is above 8
  4. The pump has a lockout mechanism that prevents an overdose
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Correct answer: The pump has a lockout mechanism that prevents an overdose

A PCA device releases a set dose when the button is pushed and has a lockout mechanism to prevent overdose.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Analgesics & Musculoskeletal System: Opioid Medication Class. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026