Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Older Adults

Abstract

Use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was compared with nurse-administered intermittent intramuscular (NM) Injections of morphine in older adults during their postoperative recovery. Data analyses indicated that the PCA and IM groups did not dyfer in pain intensity, pain distress, and satisfaction. The PCA group had significantly less sleep disturbance from pain than the IM group. Neither group was considered to have acceptable pain management.