Narcotic Patch?What to Monitor as a Nurse

Nursing will also ensure that the patch is intact and adherent. 6. Implement policy for monitoring patients for initial 24 hours after each new patch placement or changes in regimen. Monitoring parameters should include, but are not limited to, respiratory rate, temperature, heart rate and lethargy.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic piperidine opioid primarily used as an analgesic. It is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine; its primary clinical utility is in pain management for cancer patients and those recovering from painful surgeries.