What is the primary function of the lockout mechanism on a PCA pump?
To prevent the client from receiving too much medication at once.
To ensure medication is administered at a constant rate.
To enable family members to administer medication safely.
To allow the nurse to adjust medication dosage remotely.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. The lockout mechanism ensures a safe interval between doses, preventing overdose while allowing the client control of pain management.
B. PCA pumps provide patient-controlled doses, not a continuous constant infusion (unless a basal rate is ordered separately).
C. Only the patient should press the PCA button; family-administered doses increase the risk of oversedation and respiratory depression.
D. Nurses adjust PCA settings at the bedside under provider orders, not remotely. The lockout mechanism is not designed for nurse control but for patient safety.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Only the client should push the PCA button. Allowing others to administer doses increases the risk of oversedation and respiratory depression.
B. The lock-out interval prevents multiple doses from being delivered in a short period, ensuring safe administration.
C. Lock-out intervals vary (often 5–15 minutes) depending on the medication and provider order, not a fixed 30 minutes.
D. The client should assess their pain using the pain scale and self-administer medication as needed within the safety parameters of the PCA pump.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Using body-temperature fluid prevents stimulation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause dizziness, nausea, or vertigo.
B. The syringe should not completely occlude the canal; allowing space prevents pressure buildup and potential injury to the tympanic membrane.
C. Inserting applicators (like cotton swabs) into the ear canal can push cerumen deeper or damage the ear canal/tympanic membrane.
D. Ear irrigation is best performed with the patient sitting upright, with a basin held under the ear to collect the solution.
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