Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

A resident who cannot leave the RCFE due to confusion or cognitive impairment is categorized as what?

1. Ambulatory

2. Nonambulatory

3. Mobile

4. Immobilized

The correct answer is: Nonambulatory

A resident who cannot leave the Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) due to confusion or cognitive impairment is categorized as nonambulatory. This classification is important because nonambulatory residents require different levels of care and support compared to those who are ambulatory, meaning they can move around either independently or with assistance. Nonambulatory status generally indicates that an individual may be limited in their ability to walk or move about the facility safely, often due to health conditions or cognitive challenges that impair their judgment or physical capabilities. This understanding is crucial for care planning, as it helps staff provide appropriate supervision and assistance tailored to the needs of residents who may be at risk of getting lost or experiencing accidents. Other options, such as ambulatory and mobile, refer to individuals who can move independently, whereas immobilized might imply a complete inability to move, which doesn't solely encompass residents with cognitive impairments who may still have some physical mobility but lack the capacity to navigate their environment safely due to confusion.