Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pumps

A PCA pump is a computerized device that delivers pain medication (usually an opioid like morphine or hydromorphone) through an IV line when the patient presses a button. The pump has safety settings including a lockout interval that prevents overdosing by not delivering another dose until enough time has passed. The medication works by blocking pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. The most important safety rule is that ONLY the patient should press the button — if they are too sleepy to press it themselves, they are too sleepy for more medication.