Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps are medical devices that allow patients to manage their own pain relief after surgery or during hospitalization. These pumps are programmed to deliver a specific dose of pain medication, usually an opioid, when the patient presses a button. This gives patients more control over their pain management and can help improve their comfort levels. The PCA pump is designed with safety features to prevent overdose. It typically has a lockout mechanism that limits the number of doses a patient can receive within a certain time frame. This ensures that while patients can self-administer medication, they do so safely and effectively.