Single or one-time prescriptions: A single or one‑time prescription is for administration once at a specific time or as soon as possible. These prescriptions are common for preoperative or preprocedural medications. For example, a one‑time prescription instructs the nurse to administer lorazepam 2 mg IM at 0700.
Stat prescriptions: A stat prescription is only for administration once and immediately, typically in emergencies when a client’s condition changes suddenly. For example, a stat prescription instructs the nurse to administer digoxin 0.125 mg IV bolus stat.
PRN prescriptions: A PRN (pro re nata) prescription specifies at what dosage, what frequency, and under what conditions a nurse may administer the medication. The nurse uses clinical judgment to determine the client’s need for the medication. For example, a PRN prescription instructs the nurse to administer morphine 2 mg IV bolus every 1 hr PRN for chest pain. When administering PRN medications, the nurse documents the findings that demonstrate the client’s need for the medication and the time of administration.