What it means
From the Latin pro re nata, "as the situation arises". A PRN order says what to give, how much, by which route, how often at most and for what reason, for example "acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 6 hours PRN pain". The nurse decides, by assessing the client, whether and when the dose is needed.
For the nurse
A PRN drug may only be given for the reason written on the order. Check when the last dose was given before giving another, and reassess and record the effect afterwards.
In a chart
"Ondansetron 4 mg IV given PRN nausea at 1400; nausea resolved at 1430."
At a glance
| Spanish | según sea necesario |
|---|---|
| Also written | as needed, as-needed |
Related terms
intervention
An action taken to help a client, such as a treatment, a test, a teaching session or a nursing action.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.