[VickyRN]

At our local pediatric unit (in which I have a clinical group), the spinal fusion patients were on PCA Dilaudid. No one could explain to me the preference of this over morphine. Morphine is used with PCA for other post-surgical orthopedic pain issues on the floor. Any ideas?

[kids]

I have no idea why, but it is a good question.
I had a dilaudid PCA following my fusion last year, I assumed it was do to my being narcotic tolerant as I received MS following all of my previous back surgeries.

[suzanne4]

Usually physician preferance. Some find that Dilaudid will not depress the respiratory drive that you can see with Morphine.

[VickyRN]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Usually physician preferance. Some find that Dilaudid will not depress the respiratory drive that you can see with Morphine.

Thanks so much for your insight. This really helps