Final answer:
A PRN prescription, which stands for 'pro re nata' (as needed), is a medication order that indicates the substance should be taken only when necessary, often used for pain relief or to control intermittent symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A PRN prescription stands for 'pro re nata,' which is a Latin term meaning 'as needed.' It is used in medical prescriptions to indicate that a medication should be taken by the patient as required, rather than on a fixed schedule. PRN prescriptions are common in situations where a medication might not be needed consistently, such as pain relief after surgery or medication to control intermittent symptoms like asthma or allergies.
A nurse often administers PRN medications in a healthcare setting, monitoring the patient's symptoms and deciding when the medication should be given. It is crucial that the patient or healthcare provider clearly understands when to administer a PRN medication, as it revolves around the patient's subjective experience of symptoms.