A patient who had a motor vehicle accident 2 days ago is experiencing pain and is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). How does the nurse know that the patient is experiencing effective pain management with the PCA?

A patient who had a motor vehicle accident 2 days ago is experiencing pain and is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). How does the nurse know that the patient is experiencing effective pain management with the PCA?




a. The patient is sleeping and is difficult to arouse.

b. The patient rates pain at an acceptable level of 3 on a 0 to 10 scale.

c. Sufficient medication is left in the PCA syringe.

d. The patient presses the control button to deliver pain medication.




Answer: B


Learn More :