PCA to PO

[nancyf]

Any ideas or specific policies out there for Dc'ing pca prior to starting po pain meds? Thanks

[Harleyhead]

make sure pts can take po ie:no n/v.

[nancyf]

Thanks, but I was thinking more of amount of time between doses to reduce risks of over medicating. Thanks

[shannonRN, BSN, RN]

we don't have any set standards or protocol. i usually tell them that i have to dc the pca and ask them if they would like to use it one last time...they are usually okay for a couple of hours. converting from pca to po is common on my floor and i haven't seen any problems with overmedicating.

[nancyf]

Thanks, that is what I thought, too. I am now in an educator role and need to back things up.

[shannonRN, BSN, RN]

no problem....glad it helped.:)