How to Set Up a PCA Pump

A PCA pump, short for patient controlled analgesia, is a machine that allows a hospital patient to use painkillers as needed after an operation. This allows the patient to receive medication without the help of a nurse. The patient receives the medication intravenously, and is given a handset. The handset has a small white button, and the patient can press the button to release the painkiller medication.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver

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Instructions

• 1

  Slide an IV mounting clamp onto the pump bracket located on the back of the machine. Align the clamp's screw holes with the screw holes on the pump. Fasten the clamp to the pump with the two Phillips-head screws provided with the clamp assembly.

• 2

  Mount the IV pole to the clamp. Grasp the pole clamp, push on it and rotate it in the clockwise direction until the IV pole locks in place.

• 3

  Grasp the patient switch. Locate the red dot on the end of the patient switch cable. Align the red dot on the switch cable with the red dot on the connector situated on the bottom side of the machine. Push the connector into the socket.

• 4

  Grasp the syringe compartment situated on the front side of the machine. Insert the syringe pusher block into the slot.

• 5

  Position the tubular syringe holder inside the slot on the front side of the machine. Slide the syringe into the holder. Press on the release lever on the top of the syringe holder. Push on the syringe until it locks into place.

• 6

  Slide open the syringe cover at the top of the holder near top of the machine. Push the medicine compartment into the syringe cover until it locks into place.