Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

Demerol 75mg, IM every 4 hours, as needed for severe pain is an example of which type of medication order?

1. Stat

2. Standing order

3. PRN

4. As directed

The correct answer is: PRN

The correct choice, which is PRN, refers to medications that are given as needed rather than on a scheduled basis. In this scenario, the order specifies administering Demerol 75 mg intramuscularly every 4 hours only when necessary for severe pain. This means that the patient does not receive the medication at regular intervals unless they are experiencing severe pain that warrants its use. Understanding the context of PRN medication orders is important for medical assistants and healthcare providers, as it helps them manage a patient's pain effectively while avoiding unnecessary medication when the patient does not need it. This type of order empowers patients by allowing them to seek relief based on their subjective experience of pain. In contrast, a stat order would require immediate administration, a standing order would provide the same treatment without the need for new orders each time, and as directed might suggest more general or vague instructions. Thus, recognizing the specifics of PRN orders is essential for effective patient care.