Summary of Revisions to the NSW PCA Patient

Summary of Revisions to the NSW PCA (Patient controlled analgesia) chart (adult) 2017 The NSW PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) chart has been revised. For detailed information regarding PCA prescribing and management, refer to your local hospital PCA policy or procedure. PCA Management Guidelines page 1 Frequency of observations for Neuraxial opioid single dose (morphine) and PCA statement added ‘even if the PCA has not been used or has been ceased’ Statement added regarding antihistamines PCA Prescription page 2 Naloxone prescription management instruction added: ‘STOP PCA’ Observation pages Yellow Zone for pain scores 7 to 10 has been added to correlate with Between the Flags instructions. Where a patient scores their pain 7 or above, the nurse must assess the current clinical pain management plan for the patient. For example: Have pain scores previously been in the White Zone (0 to 6)? Does the patient understand how to use the PCA? Have additional prescribed analgesics been administered? Has the patient been reviewed by the Acute Pain Service or equivalent Medical officer? The assessing nurse may need to consult with the NURSE IN CHARGE to decide whether a CLINICAL REVIEW (or other CERS – Clinical Emergency Response) call should be made. ‘Two initials for change of PCA program’ moved to underneath ‘background infusion rate’. Pain Interest Group Nursing Issues / Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Pain Management Network. Summary of revisions to the NSW PCA (Patient controlled analgesia) chart (adult). March 2017