When is the best time to take an inpatient census and why?
A) The best time to take inpatient census is noon, because patients are not in their rooms because of surgery or other tests they are scheduled for.
B) The best time to take inpatient census is midnight. Most patients are in their rooms and not out for surgery or tests and those who have been transferred to another unit have already been transferred. Those patients discharged have already gone.
C) Midnight
D) The best time to take census is at 6:00 pm because patients are eating dinner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best time to take an inpatient census is at midnight because this is when the majority of patients are present in their rooms. At this time, surgeries and tests are typically not scheduled, and the day's discharges and transfers have usually been completed, making it the most accurate moment to count.

When Is the Best Time to Take an Inpatient Census