This study examined the efficacy of different nursing interventions for teaching patients about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). We employed a quasi-experimental design and convenience sampling. The patients in the orthopedic ward of the Southern Taiwan Teaching Regional Center were divided into an experimental group (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). Before surgery, we collected data including patients' demographics, PCA knowledge, and pain. The experimental group watched a PCA-related multimedia disc, and the control group received PCA-related written educational materials. On the third day after surgery, we collected posttest data. The results revealed that the experimental group had a higher level of knowledge regarding PCA than the control group (t = - 3.06, p < .01) and a higher degree of satisfaction (p < .001). In conclusion, orthopedic patients who received information regarding PCA through the multimedia disc had significantly more favorable learning outcomes. Multimedia discs should thus be considered for providing healthcare education in clinical nursing practice and research.