Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Which of the following costs tends to increase with higher patient census?

1. Managerial salaries

2. Fixed costs

3. Variable costs

4. Operational costs without any staffing included

The correct answer is: Variable costs

The correct answer highlights the nature of variable costs in a healthcare setting, which tend to fluctuate based on patient census levels. When patient numbers increase, so do costs directly associated with delivering care, such as supplies, medications, and certain utilities. These expenses are categorized as variable because they rise or fall depending on the number of patients that need care at any given time. In contrast, managerial salaries are typically considered fixed costs, as they do not change with patient volume within a specific period. Fixed costs, such as rent or equipment leases, remain constant regardless of patient numbers, while operational costs without staffing might cover aspects unrelated to the number of patients and would not necessarily increase as census rises. Therefore, recognizing that variable costs are tied to patient volume explains why the option indicating an increase with higher patient census is appropriate in this context.