Actual Condition, Knowledge and Attitude of Patient Controlled Analgesics(PCA) in Postoperative Patients / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to identify knowledge, attitude, use and state of the Patient Controlled Analgesics (PCA) in postoperative patients. METHOD: The research design was a descriptive research. From December 7, 2005 to January 6, 2006, 102 postoperative patients in a university hospital at Daegu were participated in the study. RESULTS: Analgesics with PCA were mainly morphine complex 73.5% and Demerol complex 26.5%. Previous experience of using PCA was only 28.4%, and the main sources of information were other post-op patients and families(43.1%). The most common reason of choice was a recommendation from other post-op patients and families(46.1%). The most common side effects of PCA were nausea and vomiting(20.6%). About 57% of the patients were satisfied with PCA, and pain scores decreased with PCA. Mean score for knowledge about PCA was 2.55 out of a possible 6, and for attitude related to pain medication. 2.31 out of possible 5. CONCLUSION: To increase the score on knowledge of PCA, a structured preoperative PCA education program should be developed by nursing staff.