California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What does the medical abbreviation "p.r.n." typically mean?

At regular intervals

As needed

The abbreviation "p.r.n." stands for "pro re nata," a Latin term that translates to "as needed." This indicates that a medication or treatment is to be administered only when necessary, rather than on a fixed schedule. For example, a physician may prescribe pain relief medication to be taken p.r.n. for pain, meaning the patient should take it only when experiencing pain rather than at set times throughout the day.

In clinical practice, this is particularly important for managing symptoms that may not be present continuously, ensuring that patients receive treatment tailored to their immediate needs. This helps prevent unnecessary dosing and reduces the risk of side effects associated with taking medication regularly when it may not be needed.

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Post-surgery

Precautionary response

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