What term is used for a patient who is admitted to a hospital and occupies a bed?

An inpatient is defined as a patient who is admitted to a hospital and occupies a bed for at least one night. This term reflects a status where the patient's medical condition requires them to be monitored and cared for continuously by healthcare providers within the hospital setting.

In contrast, an outpatient refers to individuals who receive medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital, and they do not occupy a hospital bed. An ambulatory patient is similar to an outpatient, as it typically applies to patients who are able to walk and do not require hospitalization for their care. The term "bed patient" is not standard terminology in medical practice and does not accurately represent the classification of patients in healthcare settings.

Thus, identifying the right term – inpatient – is crucial for proper communication within healthcare management and documentation processes.