PRNs

[311ltc]

If a prn medication is ordered q 6 hrs, can it be given again after 5 hrs or does it need to be kept to 6 hrs? The reason I ask is because I had a nurse say you have the hour before and hour after to give meds. I thought that rule applied to scheduled meds, not prns.

Thanks!

[FLArn]

In my experience, you are correct -- however, I'm not so anal that I won't give it a few minutes early (5, 10, 15 minutes for example)

[HelenVie]

Look up drug administration recommendations, dosage, half life, maximum in 24 hrs etc. Do the research... e.g BNF. If patient's symptoms require a different dosage or whatever, as the patient's advocate you have a responsibility to bring this to the attention of your co-workers and the patient's doctor, etc. Best Practice and Advcoacy. Happy Days. Helen