Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

What is the time limit for a rehabilitation physician to complete a post-admission physical evaluation?

1. 12 hours after admission

2. 24 hours after admission

3. 36 hours after admission

4. 48 hours after admission

The correct answer is: 24 hours after admission

The correct response, indicating that a rehabilitation physician must complete a post-admission physical evaluation within 24 hours after admission, aligns with standard protocols in many healthcare settings. This timeframe is crucial as it ensures that patients receive timely assessments that can guide their rehabilitation care. A swift evaluation allows for early identification of patients' needs, which is vital for establishing an effective treatment plan tailored to their rehabilitation goals. Conducting the evaluation within 24 hours also aligns with regulatory and accrediting body standards, promoting quality care and patient safety. This timeframe helps ensure that any immediate medical concerns are addressed quickly and that the rehabilitation process can commence without unnecessary delays. Timely assessments help in optimizing recovery and can significantly impact patient outcomes. Other time limits, such as 12, 36, or 48 hours, would either risk delaying necessary interventions beyond an optimal timeframe or could be unnecessarily stringent, placing undue pressure on the physician while not enhancing patient care effectiveness. Therefore, 24 hours is considered an appropriate balance for conducting a thorough and timely post-admission physical evaluation in rehabilitation.