What Is the Reason for This?

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

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?

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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.

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

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
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 :)

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