Nurses play a critical role in the administration and management of PCEA. Key responsibilities include: - Patient education: Nurses must educate patients on how to use the PCEA device correctly and inform them about the expected outcomes and potential side effects. - Monitoring and assessment: Regular monitoring of the patient's pain levels, vital signs, and the functioning of the PCEA pump is essential. This includes checking for signs of over-sedation, respiratory depression, and other complications. - Documentation: Accurate documentation of the patient's pain scores, medication usage, and any adverse events is crucial for effective pain management and patient safety. - Troubleshooting: Nurses need to be equipped to troubleshoot common issues with the PCEA pump and manage any complications that may arise, such as catheter dislodgement or blockage.
