Tag: Scheduled medication

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, over 90% of psychiatric inpatients receive at least one *pro re nata* (PRN) medication. Understanding **what does a PRN order mean that a drug is given** is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

PRN is one of the most commonly used medical abbreviations, with a 2018 study showing its frequent use in hospital settings. PRN stands for the Latin phrase 'pro re nata,' which translates to 'as needed' or 'as the situation arises'. Unlike routine medications taken on a fixed schedule, a PRN prescription is administered only when specific symptoms occur.

The term PRN comes from the Latin phrase *pro re nata*, which means "as the situation demands" or "as needed". In pharmacology, a PRN order gives a patient or nurse the flexibility to administer medication to manage symptoms that occur intermittently, rather than on a rigid, fixed schedule.