Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

How many LPNs are required when a facility has a census of 80 residents at night?

1. 1 LPN

2. 2 LPNs

3. 3 LPNs

4. 4 LPNs

The correct answer is: 2 LPNs

In a long-term care facility, regulations and standards help determine the number of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) required based on the resident census, especially during night shifts when staffing requirements can be more challenging due to lower visibility and the need for increased safety measures. For a facility with a census of 80 residents at night, the requirement of having 2 LPNs ensures that there is adequate coverage to provide necessary nursing services, conduct regular health assessments, respond to emergencies, assist with medication administration, and manage any other urgent needs that may arise. This staffing level also ensures that each LPN can effectively monitor and attend to the residents, maintaining a high standard of care and safety. Contemplating the options available, having only 1 LPN would not provide sufficient coverage for 80 residents, especially during nighttime hours when some residents may need additional attention. Conversely, having 3 or even 4 LPNs may exceed what's necessary based on the minimum regulations, leading to overstaffing in a situation where the focus is on efficient resource allocation. Therefore, the requirement of 2 LPNs balances the need for adequate resident care with regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.