PCA ADMINISTRATION

 Updated 12/25

PCA ( Patient Controlled Analgesia)

Patient Controlled Analgesia may be ordered by
the doctor for the patient who is awake, alert and
able to self medicate. This method of administering
pain medication , is done via a pump, through the
intravenous route. Dosages are decided by the doctor.

However, patient and family teaching should be
included in the care plan. It is not uncommon for
family members to press the pain button for the
patient. Sessions 12 gives an overview of pain
assessment.

Indications for the use of the PCA pump include:

- patients who have surgical intervention

- patients with cancer or chronic pain issues

- conditions such as pancreatitis, sickle cell 

  anemia and more.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.

A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to|
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.

It is important to do a pain assessment after pain
medication has been given. See image for more
information.

Nursing communication skills - Part 1

Nursing communication skills - Part 2

BRAIN ASSESSMENT

Do you remember the physiology of the brain. Well, check out more helpful information by

clicking on the link: stroke_series_assessment_in_the_clinical_setting.

Also enjoy watching the Clinical videos.(Sessions 7 and Sessions 25)

DEAR NURSES HAVE A GOOD WEEK

Dear nurses,

Hope you had a good week. I have just completed chapter 8.

The Clinical setting Step by step, chapter 8 focuses on

Respiratory Care, for those of you who are not familiar

with care of the patient on ventilatory support. So, enjoy

learning and have a good week!

CAN TRAUMA HAPPEN INSIDE A TRAUMA

Updated 5/24

Dear nurses,

Dear nurses.com is no longer available. New links have
been added, to make learning easy.

When a trauma patient arrives in the Emergency Room,

it takes "all hands on deck" to help with this situation.

It is not uncommon for medical staff members to be

called from other areas of the hospital to assist.

It is important to take great care while rushing to the

trauma, otherwise another trauma may happen.

Learn more: Spinal injury 

UNDERSTANDING RESPIRATORY CARE FOR NURSES

Scenario: The patient in the image above, is on
mechanical ventilation.The ventilator alarms keep
going off. It is obvious that something is wrong.

The nurse did not take time to troubleshoot
 the problem and walks away. Please watch
 the videos by clicking on the links below:

Mechanical Ventilation

Nursing Communication

Learn more about Exercise