Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the required distance for a patient toilet facility to be located from other patient areas in old construction standards?

1. 10 feet

2. 15 feet

3. 20 feet

4. 30 feet

The correct answer is: 15 feet

The correct distance of 15 feet for a patient toilet facility from other patient areas in old construction standards reflects a balance between accessibility and privacy for residents. In healthcare environments, particularly in nursing homes, it is crucial to ensure that facilities are close enough to allow easy access for patients who may have mobility challenges, while still providing adequate separation to maintain dignity and minimize the possibility of odors or noise affecting neighboring patient areas. Older construction standards aimed to create a practical environment that catered to the needs of residents, considering factors such as safety, comfort, and hygiene. A distance of 15 feet strikes a reasonable compromise, ensuring that toilet facilities are readily available while allowing enough space to prevent disturbances to other patient areas. In contrast, other distances mentioned—10 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet—either provide insufficient access or unnecessarily increase the separation, which could complicate patient care and mobility. Thus, 15 feet serves as the optimal distance adhering to the standards when considering both accessibility and privacy for the residents.