Ordering PRN Pain Medications

Orders for PRN pain medications must specify the level of pain for which they are to be given.

If a PRN pain medication is ordered for a pain score for which an order already exists you will receive a pop-up alert:

You may
     1.    Discontinue the other medication first if no longer needed
     2.    Modify order - give specific direction how and when to give
          For example, 
               Alternating 2 drugs for the same score
               Tylenol 10mk/kg     q6h prn - mild pain (alternate with ibuprofen)
               Ibuprofen 4mg/kg q6h prn  - mild pain (alternate with Tylenol)
               Lortab .02 mg/kg    q6h prn - moderate pain
If only one medication is required for all pain, you may select the same med for each level of pain
Note: Additional PRN orders will result in duplicate orders; you may select Other with clear directions
               Tylenol 650mg q6h prn     – Pain Mild
               Tylenol 650mg q6h prn     – Pain Moderate
               Tylenol 650mg q6h prn     – Pain Severe
               Tramadol 50mg q6h prn - Other: for breakthrough pain unresponsive to Tylenol
Any duplicate orders, need for additional orders (patient pain level not addressed with a current order) or ambiguity about the orders will prompt the nurses to call the ordering provider for clarification.