Pro re nata
Pro re nata is a Latin phrase meaning "in the circumstances" or "as the circumstance arises."[1] It is commonly used in medicine to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally abbreviated to p.r.n. in reference to dosage of prescribed medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the nurse/caregiver or the patient's prerogative.[2] Such administration of medication is not meant to imply, and should never allow for, exceeding a given daily dosage.
The term "p.r.n. adaptor" may also be used to refer to the Luer lock adapter placed on a catheter or cannula to allow administration of injections. Other terms for this medical device are "injection port" and "saline lock."[citation needed]
Other Uses of PRN [edit]
Pro re nata is sometimes used for blood tests. A physician will write a p.r.n. order for blood work. The patient may then use that order when needed.
The initials p.r.n. also refer to casual, or "as needed", employment.
Notes [edit]
- ^ Oxford Latin Dictionary s.v. nascor ~ī nātus (p. 1156)
- ^ Pro re nata does not imply that the patient may take the medicine whenever the patient desires, but rather that the medicine may be taken in the prescribed dosage if needed.
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