Which method best helps monitor supply use on a urology unit?

• A. Compare charge slips for supplies used against inventory left every 24 hours
• B. Rely on staff memory
• C. Do a monthly audit
• D. Count only high-cost items

Answer: (A)

Daily reconciliation of supplies by comparing charge slips for used items with the remaining inventory provides real-time visibility into consumption on the unit. This approach lets you spot variances quickly, whether from waste, loss, or misplacement, and it supports timely reordering to avoid stockouts and control costs. On a urology unit, where specialty disposables and instruments are frequently used, connecting what was billed to what is physically on hand keeps usage accurate and helps identify misuse or overuse early. Relying on staff memory is risky and unreliable in a busy setting, as memory gaps can hide discrepancies. A monthly audit is too infrequent to prevent shortages or costly overuse, and counting only high-cost items misses a large portion of daily consumption that can add up and obscure waste. The daily charge-against-inventory check gives the most timely and comprehensive view of supply use.