What is defined as medication ordered as PRN to treat shortness of breath?

Medication ordered as PRN (pro re nata, meaning "as needed") to treat shortness of breath is referred to as rescue medication. This type of medication is intended for immediate relief of acute symptoms, such as an asthma attack or sudden onset of shortness of breath. Rescue medications act quickly to alleviate distressing symptoms, making them essential for patients experiencing acute episodes of respiratory difficulty.

In contrast, maintenance treatment refers to medications that are taken regularly to manage a chronic condition and prevent symptoms from occurring, rather than addressing them once they arise. Supplemental medication generally would refer to additional medications used to support the main treatment and is not specifically tied to the acute relief of symptoms. Scheduled medication is administered at fixed intervals and does not fall into the category of PRN medications, which are taken only when needed based on a patient's current condition.