FAQ

Pain Assessment

1. How to I determine 'normal' sleep from opioid induced sedation?
2. Do I have to wake up a patient to reassess pain after pain medication?
3. I am doubting my patient's report of pain - What else could going on?

Pain Management

1. How do I administer a PRN pain medication with a dosing range e.g., 1-2 tablets; 2-4 mg?
2. Where can I find the Pain algorithms?

PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) Management

1. Why is it important to regularly review the Hourly Totals (boluses given [BG] and boluses attempted [BA] )?
2. Why do we have to document on the Analgesic Flowsheet? 

Epidural Management

1. Is an RN allowed to program the pump to deliver a clinician administered “extra” bolus dose ?
   A: No, not at this time.

2. Is an RN allowed to change the medication bag?
   A: Yes

3. Is an RN allowed to change the pump tubing?
   A: Yes

4. Other Epidural Management Related FAQ.

Curlin Analgesic Infusion Pump

1. Are family members, (e.g., parents/caregivers) allowed to press the PCA button for the patient?
2. How should I teach a patient to use the patient controlled analgesia button? 
3. How do I access the Hourly Totals on the Curlin pump? 
4. How do I change the time and date on the pump?