title: Administration of PRN medications and use of nonpharmacologic interventions in acute geropsychiatric settings: implications for practice.
abstract: Despite the known risks and the widespread administration of PRN (pro re nata or "as needed") psychotropic medications in inpatient settings, little is known about their use with hospitalized older adults. This exploratory descriptive study examined the use of PRN psychotropic medications and nonpharmacologic interventions to manage symptoms in older adults hospitalized in two acute care geropsychiatric settings. A retrospective chart audit was conducted. A major finding was the lack of documentation regarding PRN administration. In 81.3% of cases at Site A and 55.3% of cases at Site B, no reason for administration was documented. No medication response was documented in 92.4% of cases at Site A and 47.5% of cases at Site B. No nonpharmacologic interventions were documented for 69% of Site A patients or 64% of Site B patients. To ensure patient safety and to inform best clinical practice, the lack of documentation surrounding administration of PRN medications and nonpharmacologic interventions must be resolved.
authors.affiliation: Millikin University, Decatur, IL 62522, USA. plindsey@millikin.edu
authors.forename: Pamela L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Lindsey
authors.forename: Kathleen C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Buckwalter
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs