Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma

A 7-Module Course Designed for Providers of Early Care to Injured Children

Module 6: Pediatric Trauma Analgesia and Sedation
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Patient-controlled Analgesia (PCA)

  • IV medication via an infusion pump with a demand button 
  • Programed safety features include bolus dose, frequency, and maximum hourly lockout dose. 
  • Continuous analgesic infusions can programed as well
  • “Nurse-controlled analgesia” (NCA): for patients unable to press the demand button themselves, such as young children or those with developmental delay
  • Bolus doses given by anyone besides the patient – such as a caregiver or visitor, or via NCA – carry the risk of excessive over-sedation

Lehr, Victoria Tutag; BeVier, Patricia Patient-Controlled Analgesia for the Pediatric Patient. Orthopaedic Nursing: 2003;22(4):298-304.

Module 6: Pediatric Trauma Analgesia and Sedation