Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What distinguishes a variable cost in healthcare?

1. It remains constant regardless of patient census.

2. It changes based on how much staffing is used.

3. It is incurred only during emergency situations.

4. It is fixed over longer periods.

The correct answer is: It changes based on how much staffing is used.

A variable cost in healthcare is distinctly characterized by its fluctuation in relation to the volume of services provided or activities undertaken. In this context, the correct choice reflects that variable costs change based on staffing levels, which can shift according to patient needs and census. For instance, if patient acuity increases and more staff is required to deliver quality care, the associated costs for that additional staffing will rise. This dynamism in costs is an inherent quality of variable costs, making them directly proportional to business activity in healthcare. When more services are rendered, or when patient numbers increase, variable costs correspondingly elevate due to the need for more resources—a principle crucial in managing budgets and financial forecasting in healthcare settings.