Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

In your role as a CNL, which budget reflects cost savings from reduced length of stay for pneumonia patients?

1. Operating budget

2. Capital budget

3. Cash-flow budget

4. Long-term budget

The correct answer is: Operating budget

The operating budget is the most appropriate choice for reflecting cost savings from reduced length of stay for pneumonia patients. This type of budget focuses on the day-to-day costs and revenues associated with the operational aspects of a healthcare facility, such as staffing, supplies, and patient care services. When a patient’s length of stay is decreased, it directly impacts the operating expenses related to their care. For instance, shorter hospital stays can lead to lower costs for medications, nursing staff, and other resources required for inpatient care. This change can ultimately influence the overall operating budget by reducing the expenditure related to pneumonia treatment. The savings generated by this reduction can be tracked and reported within the operating budget to showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of care management strategies. In contrast, the capital budget centers around long-term investments in facilities and equipment, which does not directly capture the immediate impact of patient care dynamics. The cash-flow budget emphasizes the timing of cash inflows and outflows, without specifically addressing cost savings related to patient length of stay. Lastly, the long-term budget generally focuses on strategic goals and financial planning over an extended period, rather than the operational efficiency reflected in the operating budget.