National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which medication is most commonly associated with patient-controlled analgesia?

1. Atorvastatin

2. Baclofen

3. Meperidine

4. Methotrexate

The correct answer is: Meperidine

Meperidine is the medication most commonly associated with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) because it is an opioid analgesic that provides effective pain relief, particularly in postoperative or severe pain management contexts. PCA allows patients to self-administer a predetermined dose of medication through a pump whenever they feel they need pain relief, thus offering them a sense of control over their pain management. Opioids like meperidine are frequently used in PCA due to their potency and rapid onset of action, which are critical in managing acute pain levels that can fluctuate after surgery or injury. This ability to manage pain on-demand aligns with the intent of PCA, improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. Other medications mentioned, such as atorvastatin, baclofen, and methotrexate, are not typically utilized in a PCA context. Atorvastatin is primarily a statin used for cholesterol management, baclofen is a muscle relaxant used for spasticity, and methotrexate is an antimetabolite used in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. None of these medications are intended for acute pain management, and therefore, they are not associated with PCA practices.