What is the difference between 'issue' and 'consumption' in stock records?

• A. Issue is the quantity removed from stock; consumption reflects actual use by patients, which may differ due to returns or wastage
• B. Issue is the value of stock; consumption is the quantity used
• C. Issue is the quantity issued, but consumption is a theoretical measure
• D. Both terms mean the same

Answer: (A)

Understanding stock records requires distinguishing what is taken out of storage from what is actually used. Issue is the quantity removed from stock to meet requisitions or distribute to departments; it reduces the on-hand stock. Consumption is the amount that is truly used in patient care. Because some issued stock may be returned, wasted, or otherwise not used as intended, the consumption figure can differ from the issued quantity. This distinction is why the best description is that issue equals the quantity removed from stock, while consumption reflects actual use by patients, which may differ due to returns or wastage. The other options mix up quantity with value or treat consumption as theoretical, and they imply no difference between the terms, which isn’t accurate.