A nurse is teaching a client about using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device for postoperative pain management. Which statement should the nurse make?

A. Patient-controlled analgesia allows the client to self-administer small, predetermined doses of analgesic medication, usually opioids, to maintain a consistent therapeutic level of pain relief. This method empowers the client and addresses the subjective nature of pain more effectively than traditional nurse-administered PRN schedules. The nurse must emphasize that the client is the only person authorized to operate the device to ensure safety and prevent overdose. B. PCA medications are typically delivered via the intravenous route or sometimes through an epidural catheter, rather than the intramuscular route. Intramuscular injections are associated with inconsistent absorption rates and local tissue trauma, making them unsuitable for the frequent, small-dose delivery required by PCA systems. The intravenous route provides immediate bioavailability and allows for precise titration based on the client's immediate analgesic needs and respiratory status. C. PCA devices are specifically programmed to deliver small, frequent doses of medication to keep the client's pain within a manageable range while minimizing sedative side effects. Administering large doses with each injection would increase the risk of respiratory depression and profound hypotension. The system includes a lockout interval that prevents the client from receiving excessive amounts of medication, maintaining a safe balance between analgesia and drug toxicity. D. "PCA by proxy," where a family member or partner pushes the button, is strictly prohibited due to the high risk of oversedation and fatal respiratory depression. The client is the only one who can accurately gauge their level of pain and sedation; if they are asleep, they do not require a dose. The nurse must educate the family that only the client should touch the PCA button to maintain clinical safety.