CPS Sanitation & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'fomite' in the context of a pet grooming salon?
- A type of chemical disinfectant
- An inanimate object that can carry and transfer pathogens (Correct answer)
- A grooming tool specifically used for parasite removal
- A vaccination record system
Correct answer: An inanimate object that can carry and transfer pathogens
Fomites are inanimate objects such as brushes, tables, and cages that can harbor and transfer infectious agents between animals.
Question 2: What is the correct order of the sanitation process for grooming tools?
- Disinfect → Clean → Rinse → Dry
- Clean → Rinse → Disinfect → Dry (Correct answer)
- Rinse → Disinfect → Clean → Store
- Disinfect → Rinse → Clean → Dry
Correct answer: Clean → Rinse → Disinfect → Dry
Cleaning removes organic matter first so disinfectants can achieve full surface contact, followed by rinsing and drying.
Question 3: Which practice BEST prevents cross-contamination between pets in a busy grooming salon?
- Using the same set of tools for all small dogs
- Wiping tools with a dry cloth between pets
- Disinfecting all tools and surfaces between every individual pet (Correct answer)
- Bathing all pets in sequence without intermediate cleaning
Correct answer: Disinfecting all tools and surfaces between every individual pet
Full disinfection between every pet is the gold standard to eliminate pathogens before they can be transferred to the next animal.
Question 4: A groomer notices a pet has open wounds or sores. What is the primary infection-control concern?
- Tools may rust from wound exudate
- Open wounds are entry points for pathogens and can contaminate salon surfaces (Correct answer)
- The pet may react negatively to grooming sounds
- Shampoo may discolor the coat
Correct answer: Open wounds are entry points for pathogens and can contaminate salon surfaces
Open wounds allow pathogens to enter the animal's body and deposit infectious material onto tools and surfaces, creating a two-way risk.
Question 5: What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should a groomer use when handling a pet with a suspected zoonotic condition?
- Only an apron
- Gloves and, if respiratory transmission is possible, a mask (Correct answer)
- Steel-toed boots only
- Ear protection only
Correct answer: Gloves and, if respiratory transmission is possible, a mask
Gloves prevent direct skin contact with infectious material, and a mask protects against airborne or droplet pathogens in zoonotic cases.
Question 6: How should soiled laundry (towels, aprons) from a pet grooming salon be handled to reduce infection risk?
- Left in an open bin until end of week
- Sealed in a bag immediately, washed with hot water and appropriate detergent, dried thoroughly (Correct answer)
- Shaken out and hung to air dry between uses
- Rinsed in cold water and reused same day
Correct answer: Sealed in a bag immediately, washed with hot water and appropriate detergent, dried thoroughly
Sealing, hot washing, and thorough drying eliminates pathogens in soiled laundry and prevents airborne dispersal during handling.
Question 7: Which of the following is a zoonotic disease that pet groomers should be aware of?
- Canine distemper
- Ringworm (dermatophytosis) (Correct answer)
- Parvovirus
- Feline leukemia
Correct answer: Ringworm (dermatophytosis)
Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection transmissible between animals and humans, making it a key zoonotic concern for groomers.
CPS Sanitation & Infection Control 3
Which of the following best describes a 'fomite' in the context of a pet grooming salon?