Ontario Registered Pharmacy Technician (RphT) Practice Exam

The abbreviation commonly used for "as needed" in prescription terminology is PRN, which is derived from the Latin phrase "pro re nata." This term is used by healthcare professionals to indicate that a medication should be taken only when required, rather than on a fixed schedule. This approach allows for more personalized patient care by enabling patients to manage their symptoms effectively without the necessity of continuous dosing.

For example, a prescription might indicate that a patient can take a pain reliever PRN for relief of pain, meaning they can take it only when they feel pain rather than at regular intervals. This adaptability can enhance the patient's comfort and reduce unnecessary medication intake.

In contrast, the other options represent different meanings related to medication scheduling. STAT refers to a need for immediate attention or administration, while PR stands for "per rectum," indicating a method of administration. QID signifies that a medication should be taken four times a day, which is a fixed schedule rather than on an as-needed basis.