SECTION 6 - STERILE STORAGE & INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Flashcards
A Central Service Technician notices that there is an unusually large number of certain surgical instruments that are rarely used in stock. What should the technician do?
A. Continue to store the instruments as they might be needed in the future
B. Discard the instruments to make room for more commonly used items
C. Talk to the purchasing department about adjusting the order quantities
D. Conduct a utilization review to assess the demand for these instruments
The correct answer is D. Conduct a utilization review to assess the demand for these instruments
Explanation: Conducting a utilization review (D) would provide valuable data on the actual usage of these instruments, which could then be used to inform future purchasing and stocking decisions. Discarding the instruments (B) might be premature and wasteful, while simply storing the instruments (A) does not address the underlying issue. Talking to the purchasing department (C) would be a good step after conducting a utilization review.
What is the primary reason for keeping accurate inventory records in a Central Service Department?
A. To maintain a record of sterilization cycles
B. To ensure availability of instruments and supplies for surgeries
C. To manage the budget effectively
D. To monitor the usage patterns of different departments
The correct answer is B. To ensure the availability of instruments and supplies for surgeries
Explanation: While all these options are important reasons to keep accurate inventory records, the primary reason is to ensure the availability of instruments and supplies for surgeries (B). Accurate inventory management helps to avoid delays in surgical procedures and supports efficient patient care.
In the event of a recall, what is the first step a Central Service Technician should take upon identifying a recalled item in the sterile storage?
A. Remove the item from the sterile storage
B. Notify the manufacturer of the recall
C. Notify all department staff of the recall
D. Check the sterile storage for any additional recalled items
The correct answer is A. Remove the item from the sterile storage
Explanation: The first step upon identifying a recalled item should be to remove the item from sterile storage (A). This will ensure that the item does not accidentally get used in a procedure. Subsequent steps would include notifying staff, checking for additional recalled items, and notifying the manufacturer.
Sterile supplies can be left uncovered on the field for the entire surgical procedure.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Sterile supplies should not remain uncovered for longer than 10 minutes maximum. prolonged exposure risks contamination.
What is the most critical factor to consider when choosing a location for sterile storage?
A. The proximity to the sterilization department
B. The accessibility for the end users
C. The safety and sterility of the environment
D. The availability of sufficient space
The correct answer is C. The safety and sterility of the environment
Explanation: While all these factors are important, the safety and sterility of the environment (C) is the most critical when considering a location for sterile storage. Sterile storage areas must provide a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment that minimizes the risk of contamination.
If a Central Service Department receives more inventory than it has space for in sterile storage, what should be the immediate response?
A. Use the oldest items first to make room for the new stock
B. Request that some of the stock be returned to the supplier
C. Store the excess stock in a non-sterile environment until there is room in sterile storage
D. Assess the inventory for any items that could be moved to a different location
The correct answer is D. Assess the inventory for any items that could be moved to a different location
Explanation: In the situation of a space shortage, the immediate response should be to assess the inventory for any items that could be moved to a different location (D). This is preferable to using older items first (A) or returning stock (B), which may not address the underlying issue. Storing items in a non-sterile environment (C) should be avoided at all costs due to the risk of contamination.
You are tasked with ordering supplies for the sterile storage department. The unit of measure for the supplies you need is in ‘cases,’ but you’ve noticed that the consumption rate for these items has reduced significantly. What is the best way to proceed with the order?
A. Order the usual quantity, because the unit of measure is in ‘cases.’
B. Contact the supplier to see if they can provide the supplies in smaller quantities.
C. Order less than usual but still in ‘cases.’
D. Order the usual quantity but request a longer expiry date.
The correct answer is B. Contact the supplier to see if they can provide the supplies in smaller quantities. If the consumption rate has decreased, it’s better to order supplies in smaller quantities to avoid waste and overspending. A, C, and D could lead to overstocking, which might increase the risk of supplies expiring before use, especially for items with a short shelf life.
All boxes of surgical supplies can be directly stored in the sterile storage area upon arrival.
True
False
The correct answer is B, False. Boxes of surgical supplies should not be directly stored in the sterile storage area upon arrival. The external shipping containers and corrugated cardboard should be removed in the proper break-out area before the items are moved to the sterile storage area. This is to prevent contamination from external sources.
When should a Central Service Technician rotate stock in a sterile storage area?
A. When a new shipment of supplies arrives
B. At the end of each day
C. When conducting monthly inventory checks
D. As per the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle
The correct answer is D. As per the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle
Explanation: The FIFO principle ensures that older items are used before newer ones, thereby reducing the risk of items becoming out-of-date and unusable. It should be applied continuously and not just at specified times (A, B, C).
The primary purpose of maintaining an accurate record of supplies in sterile storage is:
A. To track the expiration dates of supplies.
B. To minimize the costs of carrying excessive inventory.
C. To identify the most frequently used supplies.
D. All of the above.
The correct answer is D. All of the above. Maintaining an accurate record of supplies in sterile storage serves multiple purposes. Tracking expiration dates (A) ensures supplies are used before they expire. Minimizing inventory costs (B) helps manage department budgets. Identifying frequently used supplies (C) allows for efficient stock management.
