What does the acronym "PRN" mean in medication orders?

The acronym "PRN" stands for "Pro re nata," which is a Latin term that translates to "as needed." In the context of medication orders, it indicates that a medication should be administered based on the patient's specific needs rather than on a fixed schedule. For example, a pain medication prescribed as PRN would only be given when the patient reports pain rather than at set intervals. This flexibility allows for more personalized patient care, ensuring that medications are only taken when required for symptom management. Understanding this term is fundamental for nurses and healthcare providers in order to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes by providing medication when it will be most beneficial.