CPS Sanitation & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of pathogen is responsible for ringworm infections in pets visiting a grooming salon?
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Fungus (Correct answer)
- Parasite
Correct answer: Fungus
Ringworm is caused by a dermatophyte fungus, not a bacterium or virus, and spreads easily in grooming environments.
Question 2: After grooming a dog with a suspected contagious skin condition, what is the FIRST action a stylist should take before the next appointment?
- Wipe tools with a dry towel
- Disinfect all tools and surfaces that contacted the dog (Correct answer)
- Apply deodorizer to the table
- Log the incident in the appointment book
Correct answer: Disinfect all tools and surfaces that contacted the dog
Disinfecting all tools and contact surfaces immediately after a suspected contagious case prevents pathogen transfer to the next pet.
Question 3: Which EPA-registered disinfectant classification is considered most appropriate for salons dealing with parvovirus contamination?
- Bacteriostat
- Broad-spectrum virucide (Correct answer)
- Fungicide
- Sanitizer only
Correct answer: Broad-spectrum virucide
Parvovirus is a non-enveloped virus requiring a broad-spectrum virucide on the EPA's approved list for effective elimination.
Question 4: How should a pet groomer handle clippers that have been used on a pet with a bacterial skin infection?
- Rinse with water and air dry
- Wipe blade with isopropyl alcohol then clipper oil
- Remove blade, clean debris, then soak blade in hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- Spray with air duster and proceed
Correct answer: Remove blade, clean debris, then soak blade in hospital-grade disinfectant per manufacturer instructions
Blades must be disassembled, debris-free, and soaked in a hospital-grade disinfectant to ensure complete pathogen kill.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the 'contact time' listed on a disinfectant label?
- Time before the product expires
- Duration the surface must remain wet for the disinfectant to work (Correct answer)
- Time to rinse after application
- Duration a groomer should wear gloves
Correct answer: Duration the surface must remain wet for the disinfectant to work
Contact time is the minimum wet-surface exposure needed for the chemical to achieve its labeled kill claim against pathogens.
Question 6: A dog arrives with visible external parasites. What is the proper sanitation protocol after grooming?
- Vacuum the table and proceed normally
- Treat the room with a residual parasite spray, bag all linens, disinfect all surfaces and tools (Correct answer)
- Mop the floor and wash hands
- Notify the owner only
Correct answer: Treat the room with a residual parasite spray, bag all linens, disinfect all surfaces and tools
Visible external parasites require comprehensive decontamination including linens, surfaces, and tools to prevent reinfestation.
Question 7: When diluting a disinfectant concentrate, why is it critical to follow the manufacturer's dilution ratio exactly?
- To preserve the product's scent
- To avoid over-foaming in drains
- To ensure effective pathogen kill without damaging surfaces or leaving harmful residue (Correct answer)
- To meet grooming salon insurance requirements
Correct answer: To ensure effective pathogen kill without damaging surfaces or leaving harmful residue
Too dilute a solution may fail to kill pathogens, while too concentrated a solution can damage equipment and pose health hazards.
Which type of pathogen is responsible for ringworm infections in pets visiting a grooming salon?