What type of reference is the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)?

The Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) is best classified as a guide to prescription medication. It serves as a vital resource for healthcare providers, consolidating detailed information on various prescription drugs, including indications, usage, dosage, contraindications, and potential side effects. By providing a focused overview of medications, it aids practitioners in making informed decisions regarding drug therapy for their patients.

Unlike comprehensive drug handbooks, which might include over-the-counter medications and more extensive therapeutic guidelines, or medical guidelines manuals that are geared towards providing protocols for treatment, the PDR specifically emphasizes prescription medications and their proper use in clinical practice. It does not function as a nursing care reference, which would focus more on patient care practices and nursing interventions rather than the specifics of pharmaceuticals.