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

The correct answer indicates that this medication order is classified as PRN, which stands for "pro re nata," a Latin phrase meaning "as needed." In this context, the order specifies that Demerol should be administered only when the patient requires it for severe pain, rather than on a regular schedule or at fixed intervals.

This type of order is typically used for medications that are not required continuously but can be given based on the patient's symptoms or pain levels. In the case of Demerol, it is expressly mentioned that it is to be given every 4 hours as needed, highlighting the intention to provide pain relief on an as-needed basis rather than through routine administration.

Other types of medication orders, such as scheduled or standing orders, would imply a more regular and systematic approach to medication administration, which does not apply here, as the focus is on the patient's immediate needs.