Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

How many days worth of "perishable" food must a nursing facility have on site?

1. 2 days worth

2. 3 days worth

3. 5 days worth

4. 7 days worth

The correct answer is: 3 days worth

A nursing facility is required to have three days' worth of perishable food on site to ensure that residents have enough nutrition available at all times, particularly during emergencies or supply chain disruptions. This standard aligns with the best practices for emergency preparedness in healthcare settings, allowing adequate time for resupply and ensuring that staff can maintain proper food service without risking residents' health or nutrition. Having three days’ worth of perishable food provides a buffer that allows the facility to respond to unforeseen challenges, such as sudden shortages or logistic issues. This guideline helps maintain a consistent level of care and ensures that residents receive the nutrition they need without interruption. The other options suggest insufficient amounts of food which may not meet the needs of the facility during emergencies.