PCA PUMP - NCLEX ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The client on a PCA pump is less likely to have post-op complications than the client without a PCA pump. (T/F) True, because the comfortable patient moves around more & is less likely to get thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolus, fatigue, ileus & pneumonia Clients with COPD are NOT good candidates for PCA pumps. (T/F) True, due to the effects of narcotics on central respiratory control Name the three most common uses of PCA techniques. Post-operative pain, cancer pain, sickle-cell crisis pain PCA pumps allow a more constant level of serum drug than conventional analgesia. (T/F) True A major disadvantage of PCA pump is that the client can take too much medication. (T/F) False, it is not possible for the client to overdose due to the lock-out feature Clients on PCA pumps use more medication than those receiving IM injections. (T/F) False, they use less A disadvantage of PCA pumps is that the client does not ambulate as early due to the machine. (T/F) False, PCA clients ambulate earlier & they pull their machine with them. When discontinuing a PCA infusion it is acceptable to discard the drug cartridge. (T/F) False, the whole cartridge system must be returned to the pharmacy due to federal narcotic control laws.