Management of CareQuestion 746 of 2368
A postoperative client is confused and has a new PCA order. What should the nurse do?
- Notify the prescribing provider and ask about other pain control measures
- Teach the spouse to press the PCA button for the client when needed
- Start the PCA with a continuous basal rate only and no demand doses
- Start the PCA and check the pump settings every hour during the shift
Show answer
Correct answer: Notify the prescribing provider and ask about other pain control measures
Clients with impaired cognition may not be appropriate for PCA. The provider is notified so alternatives can be considered.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Patient-Controlled Analgesia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Management of Care"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026