American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Where can rehabilitation services for older patients who cannot tolerate active therapy be performed?

1. In an outpatient rehabilitation clinic

2. At a skilled nursing facility

3. In the patient's home

4. In a hospital setting

The correct answer is: At a skilled nursing facility

Rehabilitation services for older patients who cannot tolerate active therapy are best suited for a skilled nursing facility. These facilities are specifically designed to provide a wide range of rehabilitative and supportive services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, in a setting that is equipped to care for individuals who may have complex medical needs. Skilled nursing facilities often offer a structured environment where patients can receive around-the-clock care from trained professionals, ensuring that any medical issues are closely monitored while they undergo rehabilitation. This is particularly important for older adults, who may have comorbidities or may require additional assistance with daily activities alongside their rehabilitation process. While outpatient rehabilitation clinics can be effective for active therapy and home rehabilitation can provide supportive care, they may not offer the intensive level of care or oversight that some older patients require when they are unable to engage fully in active therapies. Hospitals may also provide rehabilitation services, but this setting is typically focused on acute care rather than the gradual rehabilitation process that skilled nursing facilities specialize in. Thus, a skilled nursing facility represents the most appropriate option for providing needed rehabilitation services for this patient population.