Risk Management Protocols Flashcards
7 cards from real AAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Risk Management Protocols flashcards as text
Which of the following animal behaviors is classified as a 'distance-increasing signal' indicating the animal wants interaction to stop?
Answer: Lip licking, yawning, and turning the head away
Lip licking, yawning, and head turning are calming or appeasement signals indicating the animal is stressed and trying to increase distance from the stimulus.
An AAT handler notices a therapy dog is shedding excessively and scratching more than usual. The handler's FIRST concern from a risk management standpoint should be:
Answer: Ruling out a parasite infestation or dermatological condition before continuing sessions
Excessive shedding and scratching can indicate parasites or skin conditions that pose zoonotic risks to clients, warranting veterinary clearance before sessions resume.
When is it appropriate for an AAT animal to be off-leash in a healthcare facility session?
Answer: Only in purpose-designed, fully enclosed spaces when the handler maintains full control
Off-leash work in AAT healthcare settings is only appropriate in enclosed, controlled environments where the handler can maintain safety and prevent unexpected escapes.
What is the recommended minimum vaccination that therapy dogs must maintain to participate in AAT programs, as commonly required by healthcare facilities?
Answer: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella at minimum
Healthcare facilities typically require therapy dogs to maintain core vaccines (rabies, DA2PP) plus Bordetella to reduce infectious disease risk in vulnerable populations.
A bite incident occurs during an AAT session with a pediatric client. After ensuring the child's immediate safety, the NEXT step is to:
Answer: Document the incident, report to facility administration, and quarantine the animal per protocol
Post-bite protocol requires incident documentation, administrative notification, and animal quarantine per local public health regulations, regardless of circumstances.
Which concept describes the maximum number of sessions or hours an AAT animal should work within a defined period to protect its welfare?
Answer: Work-to-rest ratio or welfare threshold
Work-to-rest ratios define how many sessions an animal can participate in relative to recovery time, preventing burnout and maintaining reliability.
A facility asks an AAT team to visit a ward where a patient has an active open wound. Which risk management step is MOST critical?
Answer: Consult the infection control team to assess whether animal contact is safe for that patient
Open wounds present a bidirectional infection risk requiring infection control clearance before any animal is introduced to that patient's environment.