IAHCSMM Inventory and Supply Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'stockout' refer to in Central Service inventory management?
- Excess inventory that exceeds par level maximums
- A condition where a needed supply item is unavailable when required (Correct answer)
- Items that have passed their expiration date
- Supplies removed from inventory during a recall
Correct answer: A condition where a needed supply item is unavailable when required
A stockout occurs when a required item is depleted and unavailable, which can delay surgical procedures and compromise patient care.
Question 2: Which document is used by Central Service to track what instruments and supplies were used for a specific patient's surgical procedure?
- Sterilization load record
- Preference card
- Case cart pick list / instrument count sheet (Correct answer)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Correct answer: Case cart pick list / instrument count sheet
The case cart pick list or instrument count sheet documents items pulled for a procedure and supports traceability, billing, and inventory reconciliation.
Question 3: A surgeon's preference card in Central Service is BEST described as:
- A legal document listing the surgeon's malpractice coverage
- A standardized record of instruments and supplies a specific surgeon requests for a given procedure (Correct answer)
- A schedule of the surgeon's upcoming cases
- A form authorizing special equipment purchases
Correct answer: A standardized record of instruments and supplies a specific surgeon requests for a given procedure
Preference cards document the specific instruments, sutures, and supplies a surgeon prefers for each type of procedure, guiding accurate case cart assembly.
Question 4: What is the primary goal of a Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory system?
- To maximize storage space by keeping large quantities of all items on hand
- To receive supplies as close as possible to the time they are needed, minimizing on-hand inventory (Correct answer)
- To automate reordering based on daily usage reports
- To ensure all sterile items are ordered six months before use
Correct answer: To receive supplies as close as possible to the time they are needed, minimizing on-hand inventory
JIT inventory minimizes carrying costs and storage needs by timing supply deliveries to coincide closely with actual demand.
Question 5: During a product recall, which action should Central Service take FIRST?
- Reprocess all recalled items and return them to stock
- Identify and remove all affected items from service, then notify the appropriate departments (Correct answer)
- Wait for written confirmation from the vendor before taking any action
- Document the event in the sterilization log and continue using remaining stock
Correct answer: Identify and remove all affected items from service, then notify the appropriate departments
Immediate removal of recalled products from service is the first priority to prevent patient harm, followed by department notification and vendor communication.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST represents an advantage of automated supply dispensing cabinets (e.g., Pyxis SupplyStation) in a healthcare facility?
- They eliminate the need for Central Service inventory tracking
- They provide controlled access, usage tracking, and automatic charge capture at the point of use (Correct answer)
- They sterilize supplies on demand
- They allow Central Service to bypass standard par level protocols
Correct answer: They provide controlled access, usage tracking, and automatic charge capture at the point of use
Automated dispensing cabinets restrict unauthorized access, track usage by patient or case, and enable real-time inventory monitoring and charge capture.
Question 7: What is the recommended storage practice for sterile packages on shelving units to protect package integrity?
- Stack packages as high as possible to maximize space efficiency
- Store packages on the floor to keep shelves organized
- Keep packages at least 8–10 inches from the floor, 18 inches from the ceiling, and 2 inches from exterior walls (Correct answer)
- Compress packages tightly together to prevent movement
Correct answer: Keep packages at least 8–10 inches from the floor, 18 inches from the ceiling, and 2 inches from exterior walls
AAMI and AORN guidelines specify minimum clearances from floors, ceilings, and exterior walls to protect sterile packages from moisture, temperature extremes, and pest contamination.
IAHCSMM Inventory and Supply Management 2
What does the term 'stockout' refer to in Central Service inventory management?