What is the minimum required illumination in foot candles for areas that must always be illuminated?

The correct choice is based on the established guidelines for lighting in areas where consistent visibility is crucial for the safety and well-being of residents and staff in a nursing home setting. Maintaining a minimum illumination level helps reduce the risk of accidents and enhances the overall environment by ensuring areas are well-lit for activities, navigation, and emergency responses.

The requirement for at least 5 foot candles of illumination reflects a standard that balances adequate visibility with energy efficiency. This level of lighting is sufficient for basic tasks such as reading, moving about safely, and recognizing individuals, which is especially important in healthcare settings where residents may have varying degrees of vision impairment.

The other options reflect lower levels of illumination, which may not provide adequate lighting to ensure safety or functional use of spaces in long-term care facilities. They may compromise the ability of staff to monitor residents effectively or for residents to navigate their environment safely. Thus, the 5 foot candles requirement is specifically designed to create a safe and supportive atmosphere in nursing facilities.