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| − | '''''Pro re nata''''' is a [[Latin]] phrase meaning "in the circumstances" or "as the circumstance arises".<ref>''Oxford Latin Dictionary'' s.v. '''nascor''' ~ī nātus (p. 1156)</ref> It is commonly used in [[medicine]] to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally abbreviated to '''PRN''' in reference to dosage of [[Medical prescription|prescribed]] medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the [[nurse]]/[[caregiver]] or the patient's prerogative.<ref>''Pro re nata'' does not imply that the patient may take the medicine whenever the patient desires, but rather that the medicine may be taken in the prescribed dosage ''if needed''.</ref> PRN administration of medication is not meant to imply and should never allow for exceeding a prescribed daily regimen.
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| − | The term "PRN adaptor" may also be used to refer to the luer-lock adapter placed on a catheter to allow administration of injections. Other terms for this medical device are "injection site" and "saline lock."
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| − | ==Common PRN medications==
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| − | Most often PRN medications are [[analgesics]] such as [[paracetamol]], also known as acetaminophen, [[hydrocodone]] (Vicodin), [[laxatives]] such as [[docusate]], antianxiety medicines such as [[lorazepam]] (Ativan), hypnotics such as [[eszopiclone]](Lunesta) and [[antiemetic]]s such as [[ondansetron]] or [[dimenhydrinate]] (Gravol).{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
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| − | None of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the prescribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never as a maintenance drug.
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| − | PRN is often used for blood tests. A physician will write the order for blood work with PRN added to it. The patient may then use that order when needed.
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| | The initials PRN also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries. | | The initials PRN also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries. |
Revision as of 00:11, 4 August 2010
The initials PRN also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries.
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