Before giving a PRN medication, what must you know?

Understanding the reason for a resident requesting a PRN (pro re nata) medication is essential because it informs both the appropriateness of the medication and the timing of its administration. PRN medications are given as needed, which means they are not scheduled regularly. Knowing the specific reason for the request ensures that the medication is necessary and effective for the resident’s current symptoms or condition.

For example, if a resident is in pain and requests an analgesic, confirming that the pain is genuine and assessing its severity will help determine whether the medication should be administered at that time. This approach not only supports safe medication administration practices but also aligns with ethical standards in healthcare, prioritizing patient welfare.

While the other options may contain relevant information (like understanding the last time the medication was administered to prevent overdosing or recognizing the medical history that may influence medication efficacy), they do not directly address the immediate need for the PRN medication, which is paramount for responsible and effective medication administration.