Handwashing

Question 1

What is infection control?

Answer 1

Protocols and processes carried out within the veterinary practice that aim to minimise the risk of spreading disease.

Question 2

Why is infection control important?

Answer 2

For staff safety.
Public health.
To prevent hospital acquired infections (HAI’s).
To prevent patient morbidity and mortality.

Question 3

How can you help infection control in a practice?

Answer 3

Vet nurses play key role - entire veterinary team is responsible.
Hand hygiene (WHO).
Environmental cleaning & disinfecting protocols.
Antimicrobial stewardship.
Isolation & barrier nursing (PPE).

Question 4

Handwashing - why and when?

Answer 4

Important to wash hands to prevent pathogens from HAIs or diseases from transmitting between patients, staff & owners.
Should wash hands before & after seeing each individual patient. Also, before & entering & leaving the vet practice.

Question 5

What does Bare Below the Elbow mean?

Answer 5

Means not wearing anything below the elbow, i.e., long sleeves, any jewellery/watches, & keeping fingernails short.
This is important as all these things could be holding bacteria that could potentially lead to spreading around the practice & to the patients.

Question 6

Handwashing - what can we use?

Answer 6

Two methods of removing/killing microorganisms on hands exist - washing with antimicrobial soap & running water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Question 7

How long should you wash your hands?

Answer 7

40-60 seconds.

Question 8

What are the five moments for hand hygiene?

Answer 8

Before you touch a patient.
Before a clean/aseptic procedure.
After a procedure/any potential contact with bodily fluids.
After touching a patient.
After touching a patient's surrounding.

Question 9

What are the steps of cleaning a kennel?

Answer 9

1. Remove bedding & wash it.
2. Remove any organic material, i.e., urine.
3. First select a detergent to complete to complete the first clean.
4. Apply disinfectant correctly diluted & leave on for the contact time.
5. Wipe down the kennel working from top to bottom.
6. Place on a clean laminated card on the door.