Physician assistant (American Academy of Physician Assistants)
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Patient-controlled Analgesia (PCA) permits patients to treat their postoperative pain by activating a pump to deliver doses of intravenous narcotic. This technique was developed in response to the undertreatment of postoperative pain with conventional intramuscular therapy. ⋯ Careful patient screening and preoperative teaching are essential. While data regarding cost-effectiveness are limited, increasing use and patient satisfaction could make PCA the standard of care in the future.