PRN
Definition
- Adverb:
- As needed, when required: "prn" is a medical abbreviation used to indicate that a medication or action should be taken only when necessary, not on a fixed schedule. It is derived from the Latin phrase "pro re nata."
Usage
- "prn" is used almost exclusively in medical, clinical, or prescription contexts. It instructs a patient or caregiver to administer a treatment based on the presence of specific symptoms or conditions.
- It is typically written in lowercase ("prn") on prescriptions and medical orders.
Examples
- Adverb:
- The patient was instructed to take the pain medication prn for breakthrough pain. (The patient should take the medicine only when experiencing severe pain.)
- Apply the ointment prn for itching. (Apply the ointment only when itching occurs.)
- The nurse may provide comfort measures prn. (The nurse can provide these measures whenever they are needed.)
Advanced Usage
- In formal medical writing, "prn" is used as an adverb to modify the verb of administration (e.g., , , ).
- It can be considered a medical order or instruction in itself.
Variants and Related Words
- PRN (initialism): An alternative, capitalized form with the same meaning.
- Pro re nata (Latin phrase): The full Latin phrase from which "prn" is abbreviated, meaning "for the thing that has arisen."
- As needed (phrase): The direct English translation and synonym, used in both medical and general contexts.
- As required (phrase): A synonym with identical meaning in this context.
Synonyms
- As needed
- As required
- When necessary
Related Phrases / Idioms
- prn basis: A common phrase meaning "on an as-needed basis."
- The medication is prescribed on a prn basis.
Adverb
-
according to need (physicians use PRN in writing prescriptions)
-
add water as needed
-
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