In hospital capacity terms, which term refers to beds that are empty and lack staff to provide care?

• A. Available beds
• B. Unstaffed beds
• C. Licensed beds
• D. Occupied beds

Answer: (B)

Beds that are empty but cannot be used because there is no staff to provide care are described as unstaffed beds. This term captures the gap between having physical space (an empty bed) and the ability to admit and care for a patient (staffing availability). Available beds would require both an empty bed and the presence of staff to care for a patient. Licensed beds refer to the maximum capacity allowed by regulation, not the current state of use. Occupied beds are currently in use by patients. So the situation described—empty yet not usable due to lack of staff—fits unstaffed beds.