The nurse manager is reviewing the previous month's budget and ...

[natalie2426]

The nurse manager is reviewing the previous month's budget and notes a favorable efficiency variance of the full-time equivalents (FTEs).
 
  Which options may be reasons for this favorable variance? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. Greater client acuity
  2. Extravagant use of resources
  3. Understaffing the unit
  4. Low client acuity
  5. Use of agency nurses to supplement staff

Question 2

A nurse educator is asked by the chairperson of the department to submit a list of equipment that could be used to meet the department's goals. The list includes projectors, computers, office supplies, and computer-assisted programs.
 
  How would the educator categorize the materials? 1. As an expense
  2. As part of revenue
  3. As part of the capital budget
  4. As part of the operating budget

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

3,4
Rationale 1: Greater client acuity than allowed for in the budget would likely result in an unfavorable efficiency variance.
Rationale 2: Using more resources than the budget allows would result in an unfavorable efficiency variance.
Rationale 3: Understaffing the unit would mean fewer nursing salary hours. This would result in a favorable efficiency variance, but would not be a good long-term plan for quality of care.
Rationale 4: If client acuity is lower, fewer staff members are needed. This would result in a favorable efficiency variance.
Rationale 5: If agency nurses were used to supplement staff, the efficiency variance would be unfavorable.
Global Rationale:

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale 1: An expense budget is a comprehensive budget that lists salary and nonsalary items that reflect patient care objectives and activity parameters for the nursing unit.
Rationale 2: A revenue budget is a projection of expected income for a budget period based on volume and mix of patients, rates, and discounts.
Rationale 3: A capital budget is a component of the budget plan that includes equipment and renovations needed by an organization in order to meet long-term goals.
Rationale 4: An operating budget is the organization's statement of the expected revenues and expenses for the upcoming year.
Global Rationale: