A nurse is preparing to initiate patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a postoperative client. Which of the following medications may possibly be given via the PCA? (Select all that apply)

A. Ertapenem for postoperative infection is incorrect because ertapenem is an antibiotic. PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) is designed specifically for pain management, not for the administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually given intravenously on a scheduled or as-needed basis, not patient-controlled. B. Hydromorphone for pain is correct because hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic commonly administered via PCA. It allows the patient to self-administer small, controlled doses of the medication to manage postoperative pain effectively, maintaining comfort while minimizing overdose risk due to programmed dose limits. C. Fentanyl for pain is correct because fentanyl, another potent opioid analgesic, can be delivered via PCA. This route is particularly useful for patients with severe pain requiring rapid and controlled analgesia. D. Morphine for pain is correct because morphine is a standard opioid often used in PCA pumps. PCA morphine administration enables patients to titrate pain relief according to individual needs while adhering to safety protocols that prevent excessive dosing. E. Insulin for glycemic control is incorrect because insulin is not used for pain management and is unsuitable for PCA delivery. Insulin dosing is carefully calculated and administered on a scheduled or sliding-scale basis, requiring strict monitoring rather than patient-controlled administration.