In outpatient or home health care, the person receiving care is commonly referred to as a client.

• A. Patient
• B. Guest
• C. Client
• D. Customer

Answer: (C)

In outpatient or home health care, the term used for the person receiving care signals how the care is delivered and the relationship between provider and recipient. The word client is most appropriate because it reflects a professional service relationship focused on collaboration, choice, and ongoing support in the person's own environment. It emphasizes the individual's autonomy and active participation in planning and decisions about their care. In contrast, patient is more typical of inpatient or acute medical settings where care is often initiated to treat a specific illness or condition within a hospital or clinic. Guest implies a social, hospitality role rather than a professional health service relationship, which isn’t how care is framed. Customer suggests a transactional, business-oriented relationship, which doesn’t capture the therapeutic, cooperative, and ongoing nature of home health and outpatient care.