Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What does ADC measure in a healthcare facility?

1. Average daily capacity of patients

2. Average daily census of patients in a bed at midnight

3. Annual daily count of patients treated

4. Averaged daily cost for patient care

The correct answer is: Average daily census of patients in a bed at midnight

The average daily census (ADC) is a key performance indicator in healthcare that measures the average number of patients present in a hospital or healthcare facility during a specific time frame, often calculated on a daily basis. It provides valuable insights into patient occupancy rates and helps healthcare administrators understand the usage of beds over time. Specifically, ADC is commonly calculated based on the number of patients in beds at the beginning of each day, typically at midnight, to provide a snapshot of patient load during that period. This metric is essential for operational planning, resource allocation, and staffing decisions. A higher ADC may indicate the need for more staff and resources, while a lower ADC could suggest that adjustments are necessary to address underutilization of services or beds. In contrast, other options such as average daily capacity or annual counts pertain to different metrics that do not provide the same focus on daily occupancy at a specific time like midnight, making it clear why average daily census is the correct measure in this context.