IAHCSMM Inventory Management & Distribution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for the total cost associated with placing and receiving an order in an inventory system?
- Holding cost
- Carrying cost
- Ordering cost (Correct answer)
- Opportunity cost
Correct answer: Ordering cost
Ordering cost includes all expenses incurred when placing and processing a purchase order, such as administrative time, shipping, and receiving labor.
Question 2: In a sterile storage area, what is the recommended minimum distance that sterile packages should be stored from the floor?
- 4 inches
- 8 inches (Correct answer)
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 8 inches
AAMI and AORN guidelines recommend that sterile items be stored at least 8 to 10 inches off the floor to protect from contamination and moisture.
Question 3: Which type of inventory count involves counting all inventory items at one time, typically once or twice a year?
- Cycle counting
- Perpetual inventory count
- Physical inventory count (Correct answer)
- ABC analysis count
Correct answer: Physical inventory count
A physical inventory count (also called a wall-to-wall count) is a complete count of all items performed at one time, usually annually or semi-annually.
Question 4: What does 'ABC analysis' classify in inventory management?
- Items by alphabetical order for filing
- Items by usage value to prioritize management attention (Correct answer)
- Items by sterilization method (autoclave, gas, chemical)
- Items by physical size (A=large, B=medium, C=small)
Correct answer: Items by usage value to prioritize management attention
ABC analysis categorizes inventory by annual usage value: 'A' items are high-value/high-impact requiring tight control, while 'C' items are low-value requiring less oversight.
Question 5: When a requisition system is used for supply distribution, what initiates the supply replenishment process?
- A computer-generated automatic reorder
- A formal written or electronic request submitted by the using department (Correct answer)
- An inventory count performed by CS staff
- A vendor notification of available product
Correct answer: A formal written or electronic request submitted by the using department
In a requisition system, the using department submits a formal request (requisition) to CS whenever supplies are needed, rather than automatic replenishment.
Question 6: What is the primary advantage of using a computerized inventory management system in central service?
- It eliminates the need for physical inventory counts
- It provides real-time tracking of supply levels and usage patterns (Correct answer)
- It automatically sterilizes instruments when stock is low
- It reduces the number of CS technicians required
Correct answer: It provides real-time tracking of supply levels and usage patterns
Computerized systems offer real-time visibility into supply quantities, consumption trends, and reorder needs, improving accuracy and reducing both stockouts and overstock.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key responsibility of the CS department in the distribution process?
- Billing patients directly for supplies used during procedures
- Ensuring the right items are delivered to the right location at the right time (Correct answer)
- Negotiating vendor contracts for supply pricing
- Disposing of expired supplies in regular trash
Correct answer: Ensuring the right items are delivered to the right location at the right time
CS distribution responsibilities center on accuracy and timeliness — confirming the correct items, quantities, and sterility status reach the right department when needed.
IAHCSMM Inventory Management & Distribution 2
What is the term for the total cost associated with placing and receiving an order in an inventory system?