Foundations of Pharmacy Practice Sterile Compounding Practice Exam

The patient-controlled analgesia pump is designed specifically for self-administration of medication, typically pain management drugs such as opioids. This method allows patients to deliver a predetermined dose of medication at their own discretion, within limits set by a healthcare provider. The PCA pump is equipped with a button that the patient can press to receive a dose, which empowers them to manage their pain more effectively according to their needs.

This approach gives patients a sense of control over their pain management, which can lead to increased satisfaction with their treatment. It also helps to minimize the risk of under-treatment or over-treatment, as the patient can adjust the delivery to their individual pain levels.

Other infusion methods, while useful in specific contexts, do not typically provide the same level of autonomy to patients when it comes to medication administration. For instance, syringe pumps and infusion pumps are usually set up for continuous delivery of medications and do not allow for active participation by the patient in adjusting doses. The gravity flow method relies on the force of gravity to deliver medication, which often means that patients have no influence over the timing or dosage. Thus, the patient-controlled analgesia pump stands out as the method that allows for self-administration by the patient.