Fundamentals of Nursing Q 569

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Which of the following is the meaning of PRN?

  

     A. When advice

     B. Immediately

     C. When necessary

     D. Now.

    

    

Correct Answer: C. When necessary

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PRN comes from the Latin “pro re nata” meaning, “for an occasion that has arisen or as circumstances require”. When an abbreviation is less known outside of the organization or clinical specialty, it is necessary to spell out the abbreviation throughout the discharge summary to prevent misunderstanding and confusion by the physician or health care organization that receives the summary.

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Option A: The practice of spelling out an abbreviation when first mentioned, then using the abbreviation thereafter in the document is acceptable only in discharge summaries. Abbreviations are not to be used in the other types of documents listed in the measurable element.

Option B: Laboratory test results sometimes go to patients, but it is not the intent of the standard for the abbreviations of the laboratory tests to be spelled out. When test results are given to patients, they are shared with their physician who can help explain the results.

Option D: Hospitals may want to consider providing a separate form or resource to patients for information about the tests — such as a handout or website that has the names of common laboratory tests along with their definitions or descriptions. Results of diagnostic imaging studies also go to a patient’s physician, after interpretation by a radiologist.

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