Animal Nursing and Patient Care
Core concepts
Understand the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Know vital sign parameters and how to obtain them (temperature, pulse, respiration, CRT, mucous membrane color, hydration assessment, pain scoring). Understand restraint principles, venipuncture sites (cephalic, jugular, saphenous), catheter care, fluid therapy basics (crystalloids vs. colloids, rates), and nutritional support. Know wound care, bandaging principles, and the importance of documenting care. Recognize the five freedoms and basic welfare concepts as they relate to nursing.
Traps
Questions test normal vs. abnormal vital signs and species differences (e.g., normal temperature ranges). Distinguish dehydration assessment (skin turgor, mucous membranes) from overhydration signs. Watch for catheter maintenance principles - aseptic handling and monitoring for phlebitis. Do not confuse pain assessment tools with sedation scores.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Use the "TPR + pain" routine: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, plus a validated pain score at every assessment. Rule of thumb: a CRT greater than 2 seconds suggests poor perfusion; tacky mucous membranes suggest dehydration. Document trends, not just single values.
Study focus
Prioritize vital signs, hydration assessment, venipuncture sites, catheter care, and fluid therapy basics. Understand pain scoring and the nursing process. Know documentation standards.