What is the abbreviation for as needed?

The abbreviation "PRN" stands for the Latin phrase "pro re nata," which translates to "as needed." This term is commonly used in medical and healthcare contexts to indicate that a treatment or medication should be administered only when required, rather than on a regular schedule. The flexibility implied by "as needed" allows for tailored patient care, ensuring that interventions are provided in response to individual circumstances or specific needs at any given moment.

The other abbreviations listed mean different things; for example, "STAT" refers to something that needs to be done immediately, "PO" stands for "per os," meaning by mouth, and "NPO" means "nil per os," indicating that the patient should not take anything by mouth. Each of these terms serves distinct purposes, further solidifying that "PRN" is specifically associated with the concept of providing care or medication on an as-needed basis.