When considering cost-effective care, which of these actions is appropriate?

In the context of cost-effective care, reusing clean tourniquets represents a practical approach. Tourniquets are typically single-use items, but if they are cleaned properly and maintained, reusing them can help to reduce waste and lower costs without compromising patient safety. This method aligns with principles of resource optimization in healthcare settings, especially when there are shortages or increased demands for supplies.

The other options, while appearing cost-effective superficially, may have implications for patient safety or quality of care. Diversifying medication supplies could lead to increased complexity in medication management and potential confusion, which doesn’t necessarily guarantee cost savings. Using sterile saline after 24 hours raises concerns about sterility and infection risk; products should adhere to defined usage periods to ensure patient safety. Lastly, while using only sterile gloves for all procedures ensures high standards of hygiene, it may not be a cost-effective strategy if non-sterile gloves can be safely used for certain types of procedures. Maintaining cost-effectiveness must consider both the financial implications and the potential risks to patient care.