A primary health-care provider orders a medication to be administered every 6 hours prn.
What should the nurse teach the patient about this medication?

Choice A rationale

The "prn" abbreviation stands for "pro re nata," which is Latin for "as needed.”. This indicates that the medication should be administered based on the patient's symptoms or specific needs, rather than on a fixed schedule. The nurse assesses the patient and administers the medication only when the patient exhibits the conditions for which the medication is prescribed, adhering to the minimum 6-hour interval for safety and therapeutic efficacy. This allows for individualized pain management.

Choice B rationale

This statement is incorrect because a "prn" order does not imply around-the-clock administration. Around-the-clock dosing is typically for scheduled medications where a consistent drug level is desired to manage chronic conditions or prevent symptoms, regardless of the patient's immediate need. Administering a prn medication routinely could lead to unnecessary drug exposure or adverse effects.

Choice C rationale

While waiting 6 hours between doses is crucial to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity, stating "I must wait 6 hours before administering this medication to you" is an incomplete explanation for a PRN order. The primary determinant for administration is the patient's need, not simply the passage of time. The 6-hour interval is a safety parameter to ensure adequate drug clearance and prevent exceeding therapeutic thresholds.

Choice D rationale

Administering a medication "over 6 hours" refers to the duration of infusion, not the frequency of administration. This statement is typically relevant for intravenous infusions where the drug is diluted and infused slowly over a specific period. A prn order for oral medication generally means an immediate dose is given when needed, and the interval between doses is 6 hours, not the infusion time.