Question 1

The 'Par Level' system of inventory distribution relies on:

Accepted Answer

PAR (Periodic Automatic Replacement) maintains a fixed quantity of supplies in the department. Staff count what is on the shelf and order the difference.

Question 2

The 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) rule applies to:

Accepted Answer

FIFO prevents supplies from expiring on the shelf. New stock is placed behind old stock.

Question 3

Which distribution system uses two identical carts—one active in the user area and one being replenished in Central Service?

Accepted Answer

The Exchange Cart system involves swapping a depleted cart with a fully stocked one, reducing counting time in the user area.

Question 4

A 'Case Cart' system provides:

Accepted Answer

Case carts are customized for specific surgeries, containing the specific instruments and disposables needed for that case.

Question 5

Which inventory system results in the lowest amount of inventory on hand but requires reliable delivery?

Accepted Answer

JIT relies on vendors delivering supplies right when they are needed, minimizing warehouse space and carrying costs.

Question 6

An 'ABC Analysis' in inventory management classifies items based on:

Accepted Answer

ABC analysis helps prioritize management efforts. 'A' items (implants) need strict control; 'C' items (bandaids) need less.

Question 7

Perpetual Inventory systems:

Accepted Answer

Perpetual inventory keeps a continuous running balance of stock on hand.

Question 8

Consignment inventory is:

Accepted Answer

Consignment allows facilities to have expensive items (like implants) on hand without paying for them until they are actually used.

Question 9

When receiving supplies into the department, the first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Corrugated cardboard harbors dust, insects, and bacteria. It should never enter the clean storage or sterile processing areas.

Question 10

The 'Requisition' system involves:

Accepted Answer

Requisition is an 'on-demand' ordering system.

Question 11

Official inventory counts (physical inventory) are typically performed:

Accepted Answer

Annual counts correct discrepancies (shrinkage, theft, errors) in the perpetual system.

Question 12

Which tracking method uses radio waves to locate instruments?

Accepted Answer

RFID chips can be read remotely without line-of-sight scanning.

Question 13

Stock outs occur when:

Accepted Answer

Stock outs are critical failures in inventory management that can delay patient care.

Question 14

The document used to verify items received from a vendor match the order is the:

Accepted Answer

The packing slip accompanies the shipment and lists what is in the box.

Question 15

Items with the shortest shelf life (closest expiration date) should be placed:

Accepted Answer

This is the practical application of FIFO (First In, First Out) / FEFO (First Expired, First Out).

Question 16

Total Inventory Value is:

Accepted Answer

Hospitals try to keep total inventory value low to avoid tying up cash in supplies.

Question 17

A 'stat' order means the item is needed:

Accepted Answer

Stat (Latin 'statim') means immediately.

Question 18

Sterile items can become contaminated in storage if:

Accepted Answer

Compression forces air out and can suck non-sterile air back in. Moisture wicks bacteria. Tears break the barrier.

Question 19

Rotating stock is primarily done to:

Accepted Answer

Using older stock first minimizes waste from expiration.

Question 20

The 2D Data Matrix code is a type of:

Accepted Answer

2D Data Matrix codes (like QR codes) can be laser-etched onto individual instruments for item-level tracking.

Inventory Management Practice Questions

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