What may occur if stock is not used before its expiry date?

Choosing the option related to wastage and potential safety hazards accurately reflects the implications of stock not being used before its expiry date. When healthcare products or medications are not utilized within their designated time frame, they can become ineffective or even unsafe for patient use. Expired items may lose their potency, leading to inadequate treatment and posing significant health risks to patients.

Furthermore, the disposal of expired stock can create waste management challenges, turning valuable resources into waste, which is both economically and environmentally detrimental. In a healthcare setting, maintaining an effective inventory and ensuring items are used before they expire is essential for operational efficiency, patient safety, and resource management. Engaging in regular stock audits and applying the FIFO (first in, first out) method can help mitigate these issues and ensure that stock is rotated effectively to avoid wastage.