Isolation and Barrier Nursing

Flashcards covering key concepts in isolation and barrier nursing for veterinary nurses, including terminology, common cases, unit management, PPE, and cleaning protocols.

Isolation

The segregation and separation of an infected or potentially infected animal from uninfected animals.

Barrier Nursing

Precautions taken when nursing an animal in isolation to create a barrier between patients.

Reverse Barrier Nursing

Protective isolation is used to protect non-infectious but highly susceptible patients from infection.

Common Isolation Cases

Campylobacter, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, Myxomatosis, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), Ringworm, Salmonellosis.

Why is barrier nursing important?

To prevent the spread of disease, protect other hospitalized patients, protect practice personnel, and provide holistic care to the isolated patient.

Isolation Unit

Self-contained with designated equipment. Signage with disease clearly noted

Ventilation Requirements for Isolation Unit

6-10 air changes/hour.

Temperature Requirements for Isolation Unit

Thermostatically monitored between 18-21°C, can be warmer if patient is very sick and cant regulate its temperature, but not too warm to cause fomites.

Purpose of Isolation Antechamber

To prepare to enter isolation, donning PPE and complete shoe hygiene.

Considerations for Shoe Hygiene When Entering and leaving Isolation

Footbaths with anagiene disinfectant, shoe covers (clinical waste), and different shoes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocol

Removed upon entering/leaving the unit and completely changed between patients; long-sleeved and disposable PPE is better.

Bedding Handling in Isolation

Disposable bedding should be considered, or pre-soaked with disinfectant and washed at 60-90°C and tumble dried; use a soluble laundry bag if carrying through the practice.

Key elements of Isolation SOPs

How to prevent cross-contamination, protect personnel, appropriate hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, what to do in case of an accident, where to seek medical advice and how to deal with clients.

Main Points of Isolation and Barrier Nursing

Isolated from the rest of the practice, self-contained unit, hygiene is paramount, follow Strict Operating Procedures (SOP), and prevent the spread of disease.

Specific nurse in isolation role

•       No duties in other patient areas

•       Can need intensive nursing

•       Holistic Nursing Care