Which of the following are all elements of a capital budget?

A capital budget is fundamentally concerned with long-term investments and expenditures that bring value over time, typically involving significant financial outlays. The elements included in a capital budget should generally encompass large-scale purchases, expansions, upgrades, or construction projects that are expected to provide benefits that extend beyond the current fiscal year.

The correct answer incorporates items that signify substantial investments tied to enhancing or expanding healthcare operations, which is a core characteristic of capital budgeting. Specifically, the inclusion of a new MRI reflects a significant purchase for diagnostic imaging capabilities, while the expansion of the physical therapy department indicates a development project aimed at increasing service capacity. Furthermore, the replacement of a chiller qualifies as a capital expenditure as it is essential for overall facility operation and encompasses a long-term asset for climate control, critical in healthcare settings.

In contrast, the other options each feature components that do not align wholly with the usual elements of a capital budget. For instance, while option A has valuable items, nuclear material does not reflect a capital project or investment in a facility in the same way as physical expansions or major equipment purchases. Similarly, option C includes staffing, which is typically accounted for in operational budgets rather than capital budgets, indicating ongoing expenses rather than long-term investments. Lastly, option D, while