A nurse is teaching a client who had a total knee arthroplasty about self-administering morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) infusion device. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale Patient-controlled analgesia is designed to allow patients to manage their pain proactively. Waiting until the pain is severe before using the device can lead to inadequate pain control and increased discomfort. The goal of PCA is to maintain a consistent level of analgesia by allowing the patient to self-administer small doses as needed. Choice B rationale PCA devices are programmed with safety limits, including lockout intervals and maximum doses, to prevent accidental overdosing. While the patient should understand how to use the button, the primary responsibility for preventing overdose lies with the device's safety mechanisms and the healthcare team's programming. Choice C rationale Allowing family members to push the PCA button bypasses the safety mechanisms built into the device, which are based on the patient's demand for pain relief. This practice can lead to over-sedation and respiratory depression if the patient is not the one experiencing the pain and needing the medication. The patient must be the only one to activate the PCA device. Choice D rationale If the PCA device is not effectively controlling the patient's pain, it indicates a need for reassessment of the medication, dosage, or delivery method. The nurse can then collaborate with the provider to make necessary adjustments to ensure adequate pain management. This statement demonstrates the client's understanding of the importance of communicating their pain level.