Which of the following is a consequence of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)?

Selecting the answer regarding decreases in client dependency highlights a crucial aspect of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). PCA empowers patients to manage their own pain relief by delivering preset doses of analgesics, often opioids, based on their needs. This mechanism fosters a sense of autonomy and control over their pain management, which can significantly reduce reliance on nursing staff for medication administration and consequently, decrease emotional and physical dependency on others for pain relief.

In addition to this, patients are less likely to experience peaks and troughs in analgesic levels because of the continuous availability of medication as they control when they receive dosages. This self-administration aspect not only contributes to improved patient satisfaction and comfort but also encourages a more active role in their recovery, supporting the notion of reduced dependency.

The other choices touch on various aspects, such as sedation levels, complete pain relief, and hospital stay length, but do not accurately reflect the primary aim or a direct consequence of PCA. While sedation can occur with PCA, it is not a universally increased effect as it greatly depends on the patient's individual response and the medication used. Additionally, while PCA can effectively manage pain, it does not guarantee that pain will be eliminated completely, as patient experiences with pain can vary widely. Lastly, while