Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

How many LPNs are needed for a facility with 80 residents during day shifts?

1. 1 LPN

2. 2 LPNs

3. 3 LPNs

4. 4 LPNs

The correct answer is: 2 LPNs

The staffing requirement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in long-term care facilities is typically determined by the number of residents and the regulations or standards set by state licensing agencies. In this case, for a facility with 80 residents during day shifts, having 2 LPNs is a commonly accepted standard. This number allows for adequate coverage to meet the daily healthcare needs of the residents, providing necessary medications, treatments, and supervision while ensuring that residents receive optimal care and attention. The ratio is often based on factors such as the acuity of resident needs, the complexity of care required, and the overall operational guidelines for staffing in long-term care settings. In many regulations and best practices, it's generally recognized that 1 LPN is insufficient for this number of residents, as it may lead to challenges in providing effective care and oversight. Similarly, 3 or 4 LPNs may be seen as excessive for this particular census and could lead to unnecessary increased costs without a proportional benefit in care or safety. Therefore, having 2 LPNs is the appropriate and balanced approach for a facility caring for 80 residents during day shifts.