Word parts
What it means
A route for giving medicine that is absorbed slowly through the skin into the blood over hours or days. Drugs given this way include fentanylFEN-tuh-nilA very strong, fast-acting opioid pain drug given by IV, skin patch or through the lining of the mouth.Full entry , nitroglycerin, nicotine, clonidine, estrogen and scopolamine. Heat on the patch, such as a heating pad, fever or a hot tub, speeds absorption and can cause an overdose.
For the nurse
Remove the old patch before applying a new one. Apply to clean, dry, hairless skin, rotate sites, and write the date, time and your initials on it. Fold a used patch sticky sides together and dispose of it as policy directs. Some patches have metal in them and must be removed before an MRI.
Related terms
fentanyl
A very strong, fast-acting opioid pain drug given by IV, skin patch or through the lining of the mouth.