Which statement about PCA pumps is true?

• A. They are portable infusion pumps prefilled with prescribed opioid analgesic, patient pushes a button
• B. They deliver analgesics on a fixed schedule without patient input
• C. They are used only in operating rooms
• D. They replace all other analgesic forms

Answer: (A)

PCA pumps are devices that let patients control their pain relief by pressing a button to receive a small dose of analgesic from a programmable pump, within safety limits set by the clinician. They are typically portable and loaded with the prescribed opioid analgesic, so the patient can self-administer when needed. The pump is programmed with safeguards such as a lockout interval and a maximum dose to prevent overdose, and it may be used with or without a continuous background infusion depending on the regimen. PCA is used in multiple care settings, most commonly after surgery, but not restricted to the operating room, and it does not replace all other analgesic forms—it’s one method within multimodal pain management. This combination of being portable, prefilled with the prescribed opioid, and activated by the patient pressing a button makes the statement true.