What is some patient teaching around PCA use?

Educate the patient pre op or pre use about how the PCA works Explain that the is very effective as analgesia maintenance once pain is well controlled. It is always best to teach the patient to push for pain relief before the pain is severe. Patients need reassurance that the PCA has safety mechanisms such as the total hourly dose that mean ‘overdose’ is unlikely Only the patient can press their button ie not for relatives and friends to push