Question

A prescription reads: Ibuprofen 200 mg tabs 2 q 4-6 hr prn fever. Which of the following is indicated by the abbreviation prn?

A) After meals
B) As needed
C) Every 4-6 hours
D) In the morning

Answer 1

The 'prn' abbreviation in a prescription stands for 'pro re nata', which means a medication like Ibuprofen should be taken as needed, specifically for fever in this context. NSAIDs like Ibuprofen are used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties but must be taken with care to avoid side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The abbreviation prn indicated in a prescription for Ibuprofen stands for “pro re nata,” which is a Latin phrase that translates to “as needed” or “when necessary.” In the medical context, prn means that the medication should be taken as needed for a specific condition or symptom, in this case, fever. This differs from medications that are taken on a fixed schedule regardless of symptoms. The prescription instruction “Ibuprofen 200 mg tabs 2 q 4-6 hr prn fever” directs the patient to take two 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours, but only if they have a fever. It is essential that patients follow the prn instructions responsibly to avoid unnecessary medication use and potential side effects.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, are commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. However, they must be used cautiously to avoid side effects, which can include gastrointestinal issues or liver and kidney damage, particularly with long-term use.