What term means the regular check of medical supplies and medications?

• A. Stock Review
• B. Supply Audit
• C. Stock Count
• D. Inventory

Answer: (D)

Inventory is the term for the ongoing process of maintaining an up-to-date list of all medical supplies and medications on hand, including quantities, locations, and expiration dates. This regular check ensures the records match what’s physically in stock, helps prevent shortages or overstock, and supports proper procurement and patient safety. It encompasses counting, reconciliation, and tracking items over time, not just a single event.

Storing is broader than needed, but not a standard term in this context. A stock review is more about evaluating current levels and planning restocks, rather than the systematic, ongoing tracking of all items. A supply audit focuses on assessing supplier performance and procurement compliance rather than the on-hand stock itself. A stock count is the act of counting items at a moment in time, which is part of inventory activities but doesn’t capture the full ongoing management concept.