Module 6

Question 1

• Identify the maximum allowable noise levels that employees can be exposed to during an 8 hr. workday

Answer 1

• 85 decibles

Question 2

• Describe methods to minimize noise exposure in a veterinary practice

Answer 2

• Hearing protective (PPE) devices, Engineering/Architectural changes, Signage

Question 3

• Identify the most common pathogen in the mouth of animals

Answer 3

• Pasteurella multocida

Question 4

• Describe appropriate PPE for dental procedures

Answer 4

• Bullets-A smock with long sleeves
• Goggles/protective glass/face shield
• Gloves
• Mask

Question 5

• Describe how waste anesthetic gasses get into the work environment and how they affect workers

Answer 5

• Leaks can occur
• Risk of long term exposure to waste anesthesia gases (WAGs) from our patients and the machine can be linked to congenital abnormalities in children, spontaneous abortions, liver and kidney damage

Question 6

• Describe the hazards of working with and storing compressed gas cylinders

Answer 6

• Improper storage and/or handling accounts for injuries to hundreds of workers every year

Question 6

• Describe components of an anesthetic safety plan

Answer 6

• Specific written procedures
• Training
• Proper waste gas scavenging system
• There are 3 types:
• Active
• Passive
• Adsorption
• Proper anesthetic protocols include:
• Correct size hoses
• Rebreathing bags
• Endotracheal tubes
• Proper equipment maintenance
• Check aka “leak test” anesthesia machine before use
• Routine preventive maintenance by service
  technicians
• Monitoring of WAG levels
• Badges to help test exposure
• Testing recommended every 6-12 months

Question 7

• Describe the risks associated with surgical and therapy lasers

Answer 7

• Inadvertent exposure to the laser beam, Exposure to the smoke plume
• Thermal destruction of tissue creates smoke
• Can contain toxic gases and vapors, cellular materials, viruses
• Can lead to ocular and upper respiratory tract irritation

Question 8

• Identify appropriate PPE and shielding used in radiological procedures

Answer 8

• Lead apron and gloves
• Some states, not all, require you to also wear a thyroid shield.

Question 9

• Describe appropriate systems for monitoring employee radiation exposures

Answer 9

• Dosimetry badge: (This badge is worn on your collar outside your protective apron during radiographic procedures, not as protection, but as a way to measure any incidental radiation you may receive during the procedure.) Quarterly monitoring recommended. Monthly for pregnant workers

Question 10

• Identify additional safety issues when operating a portable x-ray machine

Answer 10

• Can be “aimed” in any direction at any location
• Longer exposure times than fixed machines
• Never hold the cassette in place, even with a glove

Question 11

• Describe the risks associated with chronic x-ray radiation exposure

Answer 11

• Long term exposure to low doses linked to genetic, cutaneous, glandular and other disorders. High dose exposure can cause skin changes, cell damage, GI and bone marrow disorders

Question 12

• List the equipment and supplies needed to protect veterinary personnel when handling hazardous pharmaceuticals such as chemotherapeutic drugs

Answer 12

• Vertical flow hood
• Venting devices
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Masks
• Gowns
• Gloves
• goggles
• Common sense
• Direct contact with bodily wastes should be avoided for the first 48 hours following administration of chemotherapy. Wearing double-layer of latex gloves during this time provide adequate protection