Inventory and Supply Management Flashcards

Which inventory management system issues supplies in the order they were received, ensuring oldest stock is used first?

Answer: First In, First Out (FIFO)

FIFO (First In, First Out) ensures the oldest stock is used before newer stock, which is critical for maintaining sterility and preventing expiration of supplies.

What is the primary purpose of a par level system in Central Service?

Answer: To establish minimum and maximum inventory quantities that trigger reorder

Par levels define the minimum and maximum quantities of supplies to keep on hand, triggering reorders when stock falls to the minimum level.

Which technology uses radio frequency signals embedded in tags to track surgical instruments and supply items throughout the facility?

Answer: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

RFID technology uses radio frequency signals to automatically identify and track tagged items without requiring line-of-sight scanning, improving instrument tracking efficiency.

When conducting a physical inventory count in Central Service, what is the MOST important reason to count items stored in separate locations?

Answer: To ensure accurate total stock levels and prevent over- or under-ordering

Counting all storage locations ensures an accurate total inventory, preventing both costly overstock and dangerous stockouts of critical supplies.

A case cart system is primarily designed to:

Answer: Deliver sterile supplies and instruments to the OR for specific surgical procedures

Case carts are assembled with procedure-specific sterile instruments and supplies and delivered to the OR, ensuring the surgical team has everything needed for a particular case.

Which of the following BEST describes a consignment inventory arrangement in a hospital Central Service department?

Answer: The vendor retains ownership of products until they are used, at which point the hospital is billed

In a consignment arrangement, the vendor owns the product until it is consumed, reducing the hospital's upfront capital investment while ensuring product availability.

When should a Central Service technician remove an item from inventory and quarantine it?

Answer: When the item packaging has a tear, puncture, or compromised seal

Any package with a compromised integrity (tear, puncture, or broken seal) can no longer be considered sterile and must be removed from service and reprocessed or discarded.