What does PRN actually stand for?

[Butch]

Hello everybody,

I'm taking some classes at a local nursing home to prepare me for the CNA test. The instructor mentioned that I might consider working there PRN. I know that PRN basically means as needed, but what do the actual letters in PRN stand for?

Thanks,

Butch

Best Answer...

RNSuzq1 said:

Butch, as Jennifer mentioned "PRN" are the Latin initials for the medical term meaning "As Needed". If the Dr. gives an order for X-med q4h PRN - it simply means that you can give X to the patient every 4 hours as needed. If this is a pain med and the patient doesn't complain of pain - you don't need to give it (because it's not needed). Hope this makes sense.

If you continue in the medical field you'll find that many medical terms are in Latin (universal medical language). I have an Anatomy test next week on the muscle system and the names of all the muscles we are being tested on are in Latin. Since most schools no longer offer "Latin" as a language (and it's an incredibly hard language to learn) - our Instructors have told us that the best way to study is pure memorization. Hope this helps. Sue

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

I should be in bed right now since I have to be up at 0530 tomorrow... but it means...pro re nata

definition: this latin term, which is frequently used in medicine and pharmacy, means "occasionally" or "according to circumstances

[Butch]

Hello Jennifer,

You're a life saver! Thanks so much.

Butch

[RNSuzq1, RN]

Hello Jennifer,You're a life saver! Thanks so much.

Butch

Butch, as Jennifer mentioned "PRN" are the Latin initials for the medical term meaning "As Needed". If the Dr. gives an order for X-med q4h PRN - it simply means that you can give X to the patient every 4 hours as needed. If this is a pain med and the patient doesn't complain of pain - you don't need to give it (because it's not needed). Hope this makes sense.

If you continue in the medical field you'll find that many medical terms are in Latin (universal medical language). I have an Anatomy test next week on the muscle system and the names of all the muscles we are being tested on are in Latin. Since most schools no longer offer "Latin" as a language (and it's an incredibly hard language to learn) - our Instructors have told us that the best way to study is pure memorization. Hope this helps. Sue

[Butch]

Hello Susan,

It sure does. I see already, that I have a lot to learn!

Thanks for the help!

Butch

SusanNC said:

Butch, as Jennifer mentioned "PRN" are the Latin initials for the medical term meaning "As Needed". If the Dr. gives an order for X-med q4h PRN - it simply means that you can give X to the patient every 4 hours as needed. If this is a pain med and the patient doesn't complain of pain - you don't need to give it (because it's not needed). Hope this makes sense.

If you continue in the medical field you'll find that many medical terms are in Latin (universal medical language). I have an Anatomy test next week on the muscle system and the names of all the muscles we are being tested on are in Latin. Since most schools no longer offer "Latin" as a language (and it's an incredibly hard language to learn) - our Instructors have told us that the best way to study is pure memorization. Hope this helps. Sue