Which complications should be monitored with PCA use?

Which complications should be monitored with PCA use?

• A. Hypotension, sedation, respiratory depression, and nausea
• B. Hyperactivity
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Skin rash

Answer: (A)

PCA uses opioids to control pain, so the main safety concerns to watch for are respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and nausea. Respiratory depression is the most dangerous risk, so closely monitor breathing rate and depth, oxygen saturation, and overall respiratory effort, and be prepared to adjust the infusion or administer reversal agents if needed. Sedation level is essential to track to prevent oversedation and airway compromise, often assessed by a simple alertness score or observed responsiveness. Hypotension can occur with opioid effects on vascular tone, so keep an eye on blood pressure and signs of poor perfusion. Nausea is common with opioid therapy and can limit pain control, so monitor for vomiting and provide antiemetics as appropriate. Hyperactivity, increased appetite, or a skin rash are not typical monitoring priorities for standard PCA use. Hyperactivity isn’t a typical opioid-related issue, weight/appetite changes aren’t central to PCA safety, and a skin rash would be more about an allergic reaction but not part of routine PCA surveillance.

PCA uses opioids to control pain, so the main safety concerns to watch for are respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and nausea. Respiratory depression is the most dangerous risk, so closely monitor breathing rate and depth, oxygen saturation, and overall respiratory effort, and be prepared to adjust the infusion or administer reversal agents if needed. Sedation level is essential to track to prevent oversedation and airway compromise, often assessed by a simple alertness score or observed responsiveness. Hypotension can occur with opioid effects on vascular tone, so keep an eye on blood pressure and signs of poor perfusion. Nausea is common with opioid therapy and can limit pain control, so monitor for vomiting and provide antiemetics as appropriate.

Hyperactivity, increased appetite, or a skin rash are not typical monitoring priorities for standard PCA use. Hyperactivity isn’t a typical opioid-related issue, weight/appetite changes aren’t central to PCA safety, and a skin rash would be more about an allergic reaction but not part of routine PCA surveillance.