What it means
The word has three uses. As a verb, it means to bring something on: stress can precipitate an asthma attack, and the cause is a precipitating factor. As a noun, it is solid material that forms when two drugs or solutions do not mix, which can block an IV line. As an adjective, precipitate labor or birth is labor that is very fast, finishing within about 3 hours.
For the nurse
Look at an IV line before and during infusions: cloudiness or particles mean the drugs may be incompatible, so stop the infusion and check. Flush the line between drugs that cannot mix.
At a glance
| Also written | precipitated, precipitating |
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Related terms
infusion
The slow delivery of a fluid or drug into the body, usually into a vein, over a period of time.
asthma attack
A sudden worsening of asthma in which the airways tighten, swell and fill with mucus.