Iowa Vet Tech flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Body weight kilogram conversion

One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds; divide a pound weight by 2.2 to obtain kilograms, then multiply by the mg/kg dose to calculate milligrams per dose.

Constant rate infusion formula

For a CRI in mL/hr, multiply dose in mg/kg/min by body weight in kg by 60, then divide by drug concentration in mg/mL.

U-40 versus U-100 insulin

Insulin concentration is 40 or 100 units per mL; the matching syringe must be used because a U-100 syringe delivers different volume markings than a U-40 syringe.

Vaccine cold chain

Most veterinary vaccines require refrigeration at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius; freezing can destroy potency, and reconstituted products must be used within the manufacturer's stated interval.

Sterile gown front

The front of a sterile surgical gown from chest to waist is sterile; sleeves are sterile to the cuffs, and the back and below waist are considered nonsterile.

Surgical scrub direction

For a surgical site, begin at the intended incision and scrub outward in concentric circles, keeping the cleanest area central; avoid returning to the incision with contaminated gauze.

Metzenbaum scissors use

Metzenbaum scissors have long handles and short, delicate blades, making them suited for dissecting fine tissue; Mayo scissors have heavier blades for cutting dense tissue and suture.

Suture size convention

Suture size increases as the number of zeros decreases: 3-0 is larger than 4-0, and 0 is larger than 2-0; larger sizes are used for greater tissue tension.

Canine permanent dental formula

The permanent dog formula is 2 times (I3/3, C1/1, P4/4, M2/3), totaling 42 teeth; the 100, 200, 300, and 400 Triadan quadrants each contain the same pattern.

Feline permanent dental formula

The permanent cat formula is 2 times (I3/3, C1/1, P3/2, M1/1), totaling 30 teeth; cats have fewer premolars and molars than dogs.

Triadan quadrant numbering

In the Triadan system, 100 is upper right, 200 upper left, 300 lower left, and 400 lower right; the first two digits identify the quadrant and the last two the tooth position.

Periodontal probing depth

A periodontal probe measures sulcus depth in millimeters; normal gingival sulcus depth is generally 1 to 3 mm in dogs and 0.5 to 1 mm in cats, with deeper readings suggesting attachment loss.

EDTA tube use

A lavender-top EDTA tube chelates calcium and is used for CBCs and blood smears; EDTA blood should be made into smears promptly because cells deteriorate with storage.

Serum versus plasma

Serum is collected in a red-top tube without anticoagulant and lacks clotting factors; plasma is collected with anticoagulant and still contains fibrinogen, so both are used for chemistry.

Urine specific gravity

Specific gravity is measured with a refractometer and estimates urine concentration; canine values commonly range from 1.015 to 1.045, and feline values from 1.035 to 1.060.

Fecal flotation purpose

Fecal flotation concentrates parasite eggs and oocysts by using a solution denser than the eggs; the sample is strained, centrifuged or settled, and examined at the surface.

Canine normal temperature

Normal rectal temperature for an adult dog is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.1 to 39.2 degrees Celsius; values outside this range require clinical correlation.

Feline heart rate range

A resting feline heart rate is commonly 140 to 220 beats per minute; auscultation, palpation of the femoral pulse, and Doppler or oscillometric devices can all be used.

Body condition score

A nine-point body condition score assesses fat cover and body shape; 4 to 5 of 9 is ideal, below 4 indicates undercondition, and above 5 indicates overweight.

Radiographic opacity order

On a radiograph, gas is black, fat is dark gray, soft tissue is gray, bone is white, and metal is bright white; the order helps identify structures and abnormal mineral or gas.

Orthogonal radiographic views

Orthogonal views are taken at 90 degrees to each other, such as lateral and ventrodorsal; they are required because a single view cannot localize a lesion in three dimensions.

Ultrasound versus radiography

Radiography uses ionizing radiation and shows bone and lung well; ultrasound uses sound waves, requires contact gel, and is better for fluid and soft-tissue architecture.

ASA physical status

ASA status classifies patient risk from I (healthy) to V (moribund); higher classes predict greater anesthetic risk and guide premedication, monitoring, and support.

End-tidal carbon dioxide

End-tidal CO2 approximates alveolar and arterial CO2; normal is about 35 to 45 mmHg, and a sudden drop may indicate hyperventilation, low cardiac output, or circuit disconnection.

Pulse oximetry reading

SpO2 estimates arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation; values of 95 percent or higher are generally acceptable, while lower values suggest hypoxemia and require checking probe placement and ventilation.

MAC anesthetic definition

Minimum alveolar concentration is the alveolar anesthetic concentration preventing movement in 50 percent of patients in response to a standard noxious stimulus; it compares potency among inhalants.

CPR compression rate

Veterinary CPR uses chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, compressing one-third to one-half of chest depth, with interruptions minimized and a new compressor every two minutes.

Hypovolemic shock bolus

A common initial crystalloid bolus for canine shock is 10 to 20 mL/kg given rapidly and reassessed; cats often receive smaller boluses because of reduced tolerance for volume overload.

Gastric dilatation volvulus signs

GDV presents with nonproductive retching, abdominal distension, salivation, and weakness; it is an emergency because gastric distension and volvulus impair venous return and can cause shock.

Multimodal analgesia

Multimodal analgesia combines drugs from different classes, such as opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics, to target separate pain pathways and allow lower doses of each agent.

Acute pain assessment

Acute pain assessment uses species-specific scales combining behavior, posture, activity, appetite, and response to palpation; physiologic changes such as tachycardia are supportive but not specific.

Local anesthetic block

Local anesthetics block sodium channels and prevent nerve conduction; they are useful for surgical and dental blocks, but dose limits and aspiration before injection are essential.