There are two ways to regulate the amount and rate of fluids given through an IV: manually and using an electric pump. We are all aware of the manual delivery of fluids and medications using a clamp on the IV tubing. However, things have changed and more technological advancement is being seen in the health sector particularly in the area of hospital equipment. Electric smart infusion pumps are now being used to administer fluids, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, hormones and pain management drugs to patients.
A Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Module is electric a syringe-based infusion device primarily used for administration of pain relief medications. The PCA pumps help patients manage chronic pain after surgery and treatment of other conditions like cancer and fibromyalgia.
What Makes PCA Pump Module Unique
This medical device features barcoding technology for better patient tracking, continuous respiratory monitoring and increased patient safety for comprehensive pain management solution. Additionally, physicians can easily retrieve a complete dose history and timely patient data with this syringe infusion pump. It allows quick and accurate data analysis so that healthcare providers can determine if a particular pain therapy is working for their patients.
Display Colors on a PCA Pump Module
PCA pumps have a status indicator with prompt bars that communicate different types of information through colors.
- Blue indicates-Normal operation
- Yellow signals Guardrails limits
- Green informs response to clear message
- Red is a warning signal on system inconsistency
Patients condition and pain management solution will inform the type of PCA mode to use.
- PCA Only is the first mode which allows patients to self-administer a loading dose at programmed lockout intervals on a regular PCA therapy.
- Continuous Infusion administer the dose non-stop.
- PCA module followed by the Continuous infusion allow patients to self-administer until the PCA dose is finished, then Continuous infusion resumes.
- The last PCA pump module is the loading dose only where a patient is given a stronger bolus dose before commencing PCA therapy.
Problems Associated with Operating the PCA Pump
Common problems include the user error which often occurs when there is human interference with the parameters. Patient adherence is also a problem particularly for patients with limited knowledge of health literacy. This becomes an issue if a patient fails to understand or follow instructions. Other than yourself, It’s only your assigned healthcare provider who’s supposed to activate the pump. Otherwise, it could lead to improper administrations that can cause overdose or even prove fatal.