A patient using a patient-controlled analgesia pump after surgery says, 'My spouse can press the button when I am asleep.' Which response is best?

Correct answer: B. Only the patient should press the button

  • A. That is safe if the prescribed dose is small
  • B. Only the patient should press the button
  • C. The spouse should press it every four hours
  • D. The nurse should disable the dose-limit setting

Explanation

Only the patient should activate patient-controlled analgesia because sedation is an important safety limit. A sleeping or oversedated patient is less likely to press the button, reducing the risk of respiratory depression. Relatives must not administer extra doses.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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Covers preoperative assessment, informed consent, surgical preparation, anaesthesia, intraoperative safety and postoperative recovery. It includes sterile technique, surgical positioning, wound and drain care, pain and nausea management, fluid balance, prevention of infection and recognition of complications such as haemorrhage, atelectasis and shock.

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