What does the abbreviation "PRN" mean?

The abbreviation "PRN" stands for "as needed," which indicates that a medication or treatment is to be administered only when necessary, rather than on a fixed schedule. This terminology is commonly used in healthcare settings to convey that the caregiver should assess the patient's condition and provide intervention based on specific circumstances or symptoms rather than adhering to a routine or predetermined frequency. Understanding this term is important for CNAs since it directly affects how they conduct patient care and respond to the needs of those they assist.

The other options present different concepts that do not align with the meaning of "PRN." For instance, "per routine" implies a regular schedule, while "post-operative" refers to a period following surgery, and "patient review needed" suggests an assessment requirement that is not related to medication administration or treatment protocols.