NGN Case Study: Pain Management Walkthrough
Post-op pain management with PCA pump.
Pain cases test PCA setup, monitoring, and complications.
Scenario
Patient post-op abdominal surgery. PCA hydromorphone 0.2 mg per demand, 8-min lockout, no basal. Pain 7/10 despite PCA use × 24h.
Assess
Pain location, character, radiation. Vitals. Sedation. Patient understanding of PCA.
Reassess intervention
Education on PCA use. Increase demand dose or shorten lockout. Add scheduled adjuncts (acetaminophen, NSAID if no contraindication). Reassess in 1 hour.
Watch for
Sedation, respiratory depression, ileus. PCA-by-proxy education to family.
Frequently asked
Patient too sedated to push button?
Hold PCA. Naloxone if respiratory depression. Reassess pain plan.
Quick check
Loading a question…
How ready are you right now?
10 real NCLEX questions, free, in your browser. See how close you are to ready and which subjects are costing you.
Try 10 questions free