What is considered in the daily inpatient census calculation?

The daily inpatient census calculation is designed to reflect the total number of patients present in a healthcare facility at a specific time, typically at midnight. Option B accurately captures this concept, as it includes all patients who are currently in the hospital, as well as those who were admitted and discharged on the same day. This means that both patients who are still receiving care and those who were briefly hospitalized count towards the census.

Counting both present patients and those who were admitted and discharged on the same day provides a comprehensive understanding of patient flow and occupancy. This information is crucial for hospital management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.

In contrast, the other options focus on narrower aspects of patient admission and discharge. Options that consider only prior admissions or exclude discharged patients do not reflect the complete picture required for an accurate daily census. Thus, the significance of option B lies in its inclusivity, capturing overall patient activity and presence within the facility, making it the correct choice in this context.