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  • Title: Perioperative pharmacology: patient-controlled analgesia.
    Author: Hicks RW, Hernandez J, Wanzer LJ.
    Journal: AORN J; 2012 Feb; 95(2):255-62; quiz 263-5. PubMed ID: 22283916.
    Abstract:
    Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is an effective treatment option for reducing pain, but PCA errors can be quite serious. Opioid analgesics are among the most effective pain relievers available, but all have contraindications and can have adverse effects, including respiratory depression and other effects on the central nervous system. Practitioners must weigh the potential benefits of PCA use against the risks. Errors associated with the PCA process have been documented in each phase of the medication-use process; therefore, practice improvements in prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring PCA may reduce the likelihood of errors. Perioperative nurses can make important contributions to safe PCA use by establishing standardized processes to help ensure positive patient outcomes in pain management.
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