What should be done with PRN medications according to best practices?

When administering PRN medications, best practices dictate that they must be properly assessed and either administered or withheld based on the patient's current status and specific criteria outlined in the medication administration guidelines. PRN, which stands for "as needed," implies that these medications should only be given when certain conditions are met, such as the presence of specific symptoms or when a patient expresses a need for relief from discomfort or pain.

The rationale for this is to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. Administering PRN medications without appropriate indications can lead to unnecessary side effects or complications, while withholding them when truly needed might result in inadequate symptom management. Therefore, healthcare providers must evaluate the patient's condition closely and make a responsible professional judgment about whether to administer the medication or hold it, based on established protocols.

In contrast, giving PRN medications at any time without consideration of the patient's condition might increase the risk of adverse effects. Only giving PRN medications when requested disregards clinical judgment and the potential need for timely intervention. Skipping PRN medications without proper assessment may neglect the necessity for treatment when symptoms arise. Thus, the principle of informed decision-making is essential when handling PRN medications.