PCA settings and maximum delivery
Checks a patient-controlled analgesia order: maximum hourly and 4-hour delivery, and morphine equivalents.
Inputs
3 of 4Opioid
mg (morphine, hydromorphone) or mcg (fentanyl).
mg or mcg
min
mg or mcg per h
Optional.
mg or mcg
When to use
- Writing, verifying, or titrating an adult IV PCA order.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Avoid a basal (continuous) rate in opioid-naive patients (APS guideline).
- Typical starting demand doses: morphine 1 mg, hydromorphone 0.2 mg, fentanyl 10–20 mcg; lockout 6–10 min.
- Monitor sedation (POSS) and respiratory rate; continuous capnography with a basal rate or high risk (OSA, obesity).
Why use
Shows the most the pump can deliver, which is the number that matters for safety.
Maximum per hour = basal + demand × (60 ÷ lockout); 4-hour maximum = 4 × hourly (or the programmed limit)