What does the abbreviation "PRN" indicate in a medical context?

In a medical context, the abbreviation "PRN" stands for "pro re nata," which is 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. This is particularly important in managing symptoms or conditions that may fluctuate in intensity. For example, a patient might take a pain reliever PRN for headache episodes rather than at set times throughout the day. The flexibility of PRN orders allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment to individual patient needs based on their current condition or symptoms.