pro re nata
English
Etymology
From the Latin phrase pro (“for”) rē (“thing, matter”) nātā (“born, arisen”): "for what arises".
Pronunciation
- (US) IPA(key): /ˌpɹoʊˌreɪˈnɑ.tɑ/
Phrase
pro re nata (abbreviated PRN)
- Dealing with something that arises unexpectedly or out of due course; for special business.
- (medicine) Used on medical charts by doctors to indicate that actions may be taken at the discretion of nursing staff depending on the patient's condition.
- (medicine, pharmacology) Used on prescriptions to indicate that the medicines may be taken if and when the patients feel the need.