What is the role of the licensed practical nurse in monitoring and documenting a patients response to pain therapy when they have a PCA pump?
The appropriately prepared licensed practical nurse may monitor and document the patient’s response to pain control therapy administered via PCA pump in accordance with the following stipulations: • The licensed practical nurse must have successfully completed orientation to the equipment, the agent, and all aspects of related monitoring and documentation. There should be documentation of the initial education/competency and ongoing competency evaluations; • There is a medical order for the procedures; • The nurse practices according to accepted standards of practice; • A registered nurse must be readily available to respond; • The PCA pump must be programmed by either a registered nurse or registered pharmacist and must be locked to prevent rate change; • Re-dosing of the PCA pump must be performed by the registered nurse; • The licensed practical nurse may not change or regulate the rate but may stop the infusion if necessary; and • The facility has policies and procedures in place a
