Revision Q's

Question 1

What is Aseptic technique?

Answer 1

All the steps taken to ensure freedom from infection during surgery

Question 2

What is sterilisation?

Answer 2

Complete destruction of all micro-organisms, including spores

Question 3

What is disinfectant?

Answer 3

A chemical used to destroy or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms on inanimate objects

Question 4

What is antiseptic?

Answer 4

A chemical used to destroy or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms on living tissue

Question 5

What is bacteriocidal?

Answer 5

Kills bacteria

Question 6

What is bacteriostatic?

Answer 6

Inactivates bacteria

Question 7

List 4 sources of contamination to a surgical patient

Answer 7

1. The patient
2. The surgical team
3. Poor housekeeping
4. Surgical instruments and supplies

Question 8

List 4 general ‘rules’ for the use of disinfectant

Answer 8

1. The surface being disinfected should be as clean possible
2. The disinfectant must contact every surface of the article
3. The disinfectant must be used at the correct dilution (check label)
4. PPE must be worn when required

Question 9

Why is aseptic technique so important? Give 6 reasons

Answer 9

1. Prevents failure of proper healing or slow healing
2. Prevents unnecessary pain to patient
3. Prevents client dissatisfaction
4. Prevents further complications such as wound breakdown or illness
5. Prevents extra time and cost being spent on patient
6. Prevents death in patient

Question 10

Briefly explain how an autoclave works

Answer 10

An autoclave is a machine which produces steam in a confined space. When placed under pressure the temperature of the steam rises and becomes a reliable method of sterilisation.

Question 11

What are 3 methods for cleaning instruments?

Answer 11

1. Fresh running water
2. Ultrasonic cleaners
3. Chemical cleaners

Question 12

Why is instrument milk used?

Answer 12

Lubricating instruments

Question 13

Why do we wrap packs, and name 3 materials used for this process

Answer 13

1. Provides a bacterial barrier to the contents
2. To label contents and provide quick ID
3. Protects contents from damage through transport
4. Keeps items together in one pack
5. A means of indicating shelf life
6. A means of indicating sterile packs from un-sterile packs

3 materials: cloth/linen, laminates, non wovens

Question 14

How do we label the packs, what do we use and why?

Answer 14

Packs are labelled with their contents (eg spey kit), the date, size if applicable and the person who packed initials. Labels are written with a felt tip pin on a piece of autoclave tape.

Question 15

How is effectiveness of sterilisation assessed?

Answer 15

Autoclave tape – Lines change in colour when temperature of steam has reached an adequate level
Indicator strip – Placed in the centre of the pack and indicate that the steam has penetrated to that point.

Question 16

How do we handle and store sterilised items?

Answer 16

1. Directly after the sterilising process, items are very vulnerable to recontamination by moisture or improper handling
2. When a load is removed from the steriliser it should be inspected to ensure the sterilising indicators have made the required colour change.
3. Cooling items should not be placed on solid surfaces as condensation from vapour may occur, resulting in contamination
4. Items that are dropped, torn, have broken seals or are wet are considered non sterile and should be re processed.
5. Handling packs causes them to “breathe”, enhancing the chances of contamination

Question 17

What important information regarding suture materials do you need to provide to the Veterinary wholesaler?

Answer 17

• Gauge size
• Product number
• Length of material
• Trade name
• Manufacturer name
• Needle type
• Absorbable or non absorbable
• Multi vs monofilament

Question 18

What are 6 qualities of the ‘ideal’ surgery theatre?

Answer 18

1. Well lit
2. Well ventilated
3. Scavenging system
4. Spacious
5. Isolated (from the public, kennels and general traffic)
6. Close proximity to prep and x-ray room

Question 19

List 10 items that you would have ready prior to anaesthetising an animal for surgery

Answer 19

1. Autoclaved Pack
2. Clippers
3. Chlorhex swabs
4. Hats
5. Masks
6. ET tube
7. Gloves
8. Monitoring equipment
9. Suture material and needle
10. Catheter

Question 20

What are 3 hazards to the patient in surgery and how might they be avoided?

Answer 20

1. Hypothermia – supplying heat during and after surgery
2. Infection – proper aseptic techniques
3. Aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs – owner not feeding 12 hours prior

Question 21

What are 4 different methods to minimise hypothermia in an anaesthetised patient?

Answer 21

1. Bear hugger
2. Towel on surgery table
3. Heating pad on surgery table
4. Fluid warmer

Question 22

What are 2 possible post operative complications for the patient and how can they be avoided?

Answer 22

1. Animal pulling sutures out – avoided by cone/ Elizabethan collar
2. Swelling, redness or discharge at incision site - avoided by not exercising animal first few days, not letting incision get wet, not letting animal lick incision (Elizabethan collar)