PRN Basics
This is what PRN stands for
What is as needed?
This should be checked before giving a PRN medication
What is the order AND the current symptoms?
This medication is commonly ordered PRN for mild pain or fever
What is tylenol (acetaminophen)?
This common pain reliever is also known by the brand name Motrin or Advil
What is ibuprofen?
A resident has a headache and requests a PRN medication. Name the most likely medication you will use
What is acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
This is the person that determines when a PRN medication may be administered
You should compare the medication to this, prior to administering
What is the MAR?
Bisacodyl (dulcolax) is frequently ordered for which condition
What is constipation?
This medication may be given PRN for allergy symptoms and is commonly known by the brand name Benadryl
What is diphenhydramine?
A resident is c/o pain 3/10. You check the MAR for PRN medications. The only medication available on the MAR is Morphine for pain. There is no pain scale listed, just states PRN for pain. What will you do to treat the symptoms of the pain?
What is administer the morphine?
True or False:
A med tech can decide independently that a resident needs a PRN medication
What is false? The MT must follow the medication order, facility policy and scope of practice.
True or False:
If a resident asks for a PRN medication, you can give it immediately without checking the MAR
What is False?
This medication is commonly used PRN for diarrhea
What is loperamide (imodium)?
This medication is commonly found in a rescue inhaler and may be ordered PRN for breathing problems
What is albuterol?
A non-verbal (or dementia) resident is grimacing, guarding their abdomen, moaning and repeatedly shifting positions. There have been no recent PRN administrations. There is no documentation of vomiting or diarrhea. Of the options below, state the most appropriate to give:
Acetaminophen 650mg-PRN mild to moderate pain
Ondansetron 4mg-PRN for nausea/vomiting
Loperamide 2mg-PRN diarrhea
Bisacodyl 5mg-PRN constipation
What is acetaminophen for pain?
These 5 things must be included in a PRN medication order
What are:
Name of the medication; dose; route; frequency/time interval; and reason for use
The main reason for checking the time of the resident's last PRN dose is important because
What is to make sure the medication is not being given too soon and the timing frequency is followed?
Ondansetron (zofran) is ordered PRN for which symptom(s)
What is nausea and vomiting?
What is Miralax?
A resident reports 8/10 lower back pain and requests a PRN medication. You check the MAR and find the following meds available:
Acetaminophen 650mg-PRN for pain or fever
Ibuprofen 400mg-PRN for pain
Tramadol 50mg-PRN for pain 5-10/10
Diclofenac gel-PRN for localized joint pain
Which medication are you going to give?
What is tramadol?
The indication for a PRN medication is important because:
What is it tells the MT what condition or symptom the medication is intended to treat and determines appropriateness of the medication
This is the action you take if the PRN order is unclear or appears to conflict with the MAR
What is seek clarification from HSD or doctor/provider?
Name a medication that may be ordered PRN for heartburn or indigestion
What is Tums (calcium carbonate)?
This medication may be ordered PRN for anxiety or agitation, but must only be administered when specifically ordered and within med tech's scope of practice
What is lorazepam (Ativan)?
A non-verbal (or dementia) resident is exhibiting holding their abdomen, appearing uncomfortable and making frequent trips to the bathroom, name the condition they may be experiencing, AND a medication that may assist:
What is constipation? What is docusate or senna or miralax (or any other med for constipation)?