WHO analgesic ladder explained?
The 1986 version of the WHO analgesic ladder proposes that treatment of pain should begin with a nonopioid medication (Figure 1). If the pain is not properly controlled, one should then introduce a weak opioid. If the use of this medication is insufficient to treat the pain, one can begin a more powerful opioid.
What is the WHO ladder?
The WHO analgesic ladder was a strategy proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1986, to provide adequate pain relief for cancer patients.[1] The analgesic ladder was part of a vast health program termed the WHO Cancer Pain and Palliative Care Program aimed at improving strategies for cancer pain management …
How is patient-controlled analgesia calculated?
Dosing in non-naïve patients Convert their current total oral/transdermal dose to a total 24 hour IV dose; divide by 24 to give the hourly CI rate in mg/hour (see Fast Fact #36 on dose conversions). The PCA demand dose is initially calculated at 50% of the hourly rate.
What is in PCA pain pump?
A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump lets you give yourself intravenous (IV) pain medicine when you need it. This gives you more control of your pain relief. The PCA pump contains your pain medicine. Usually that medicine is morphine, but other painkilling drugs are sometimes used.
What are the three categories of pain relievers?
There are three main types of painkiller: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), paracetamol and opioids. Each works in a different way. Most people only need to take painkillers for a few days or weeks at most, but some people need to take them for a long time.
What is PCA protocol?
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a delivery system with which patients self-administer predetermined doses of analgesic medication to relieve their pain.
Who orders PCA pump?
The PCA pump is set up by the registered nurse with the pump programming independently verified by another registered nurse. The pump settings are documented in the patient’s Medication Administration Record. 4. A bolus of pain medication, if ordered, is administered by the registered nurse using the PCA pump.
What drugs are used in PCA?
In most cases, PCA pumps supply opioid pain-controlling medicines such as morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone. The pump is attached to a thin, flexible tube (intravenous or IV line) that is placed in your vein.
How often should a patient push a PCA?
Whenever you start to hurt again, press the button. Since you know when you are hurting, you are the only one who should press the button. The nurses and your parents should NOT push the button.