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January 31, 2022 Ad Hoc

Orders for antiemetics or respiratory medications with PRN frequency – requiring reason in the order

Author:Jennifer Zimmer-Young, PharmD, CCRP, CPPS
Date Effective:  December 16, 2021  
Situation:When entering medication orders for antiemetics or respiratory medications in the inpatient setting, and have a PRN frequency, you will need to document the PRN reason or add a PRN comment.  
Background:We need specific parameters for when the nurse should administer the medication with a PRN frequency.  Without the information the order is incomplete and creates confusion. This is a continuation of our broad project. We have previously implemented this requirement for anti-hypertensive medications, pain medications, benzodiazepines, and topical medications.   
Assessment:A complete medication order, with complete information that will show on eMAR to provide clear information to the Nurse to know when to administer the medication. Applicable ordersets have been updated to default the PRN reason and/or comment when applicable. One-off orders will require the PRN reason or comment section to be completed.   
Recommendation:For specified inpatient medication PRN orders you will see requirements for:
1. a PRN reason
or
2. PRN comment if the PRN reason choices are not applicable

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