IN Vet Tech flashcards

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

Cephalosporin spectrum

Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics grouped by generation; later generations have broader gram-negative coverage. They are bactericidal and used for skin, urinary, and respiratory infections, with some requiring parenteral administration.

NSAID mechanism

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. COX-1 inhibition causes GI and renal effects; COX-2 selective drugs reduce but do not eliminate these risks. Avoid use in dehydration or renal disease.

Drug dose calculation

Total dose in mg equals dose in mg/kg multiplied by body weight in kg. Volume to administer in mL equals total dose in mg divided by drug concentration in mg/mL. Always verify calculations before administration.

Controlled substance log

A controlled substance log records date, patient, drug, amount dispensed, and prescriber. Schedule II drugs require the strictest documentation. Logs must be maintained securely and available for inspection.

Surgical asepsis

Surgical asepsis keeps the sterile field free of microorganisms. Scrubbed personnel wear sterile gowns and gloves, while the circulating nurse remains unsterile and handles packaging, records, and nonsterile supplies.

Surgical skin preparation

Clip hair widely around the incision, perform an initial scrub, then apply chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine in concentric circles from the incision outward. Avoid contaminating the prepared area before draping.

Suture selection

Absorbable sutures such as polyglactin 910 are used for internal tissues; nonabsorbable sutures such as nylon are used for skin. Monofilament sutures reduce infection risk compared with multifilament sutures.

Surgical sponge count

Sponges, needles, and instruments are counted before closure and documented. A retained surgical item is a patient safety event requiring reporting and follow-up. Counts are performed by the circulating nurse.

Adult dental formula

Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth and cats have 30. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth and kittens have 26. Dental radiographs are needed to evaluate roots and bone loss.

Periodontal probing depth

Periodontal probing measures sulcus depth and attachment loss. Normal sulcus depth is up to 1-3 mm in dogs and up to 1 mm in cats depending on site. Increased depth indicates periodontal disease.

Feline resorptive lesions

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions cause painful enamel defects and root resorption. Treatment is extraction or crown amputation, not restoration. Dental radiographs help identify affected teeth.

Dental nerve blocks

Infraorbital blocks provide maxillary analgesia; mental and mandibular blocks provide lower jaw analgesia. Nerve blocks reduce anesthetic depth requirements and improve postoperative comfort during dental procedures.

CBC components

A complete blood count reports red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, white cell differential, and platelet count. PCV and total protein are measured separately by centrifugation and refractometry.

Urinalysis components

Urinalysis includes specific gravity by refractometer, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and sediment examination for cells, casts, and crystals. Results are interpreted with the patient's history and clinical signs.

Blood tube selection

EDTA tubes are used for hematology, serum separator or heparin tubes for biochemistry, and citrate tubes for coagulation. Fill tubes to the indicated line and mix gently by inversion to avoid hemolysis.

Reference intervals

Reference intervals are population-based ranges. A value outside the interval may still be normal for an individual, so interpret results with signalment and clinical signs rather than in isolation.

Vital signs by species

Adult dogs have heart rates of 60-140 bpm and cats 140-220 bpm. Horses range 28-44 bpm and cattle 48-84 bpm. Respiratory rates and temperatures also vary by species and age.

Resting energy requirement

RER equals 70 times body weight in kg raised to the 0.75 power. Multiply by an illness factor for hospitalized patients. Body condition scoring guides nutritional planning and anesthetic risk assessment.

Fluid deficit calculation

Fluid deficit in mL equals percent dehydration as a decimal multiplied by body weight in kg multiplied by 1000. Maintenance is approximately 2-4 mL/kg/hr in dogs and cats, adjusted for ongoing losses.

Infection control disinfection

Dilute bleach is effective against parvovirus on surfaces; quaternary ammonium compounds are used for routine disinfection. Isolate suspected contagious patients and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Anesthetic stages

Stage I is induction, stage II is excitement where stimulation is avoided, stage III is the surgical plane, and stage IV is overdose with apnea. Depth is assessed by reflexes, muscle tone, and monitoring.

Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry estimates arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2); normal is 95% or higher. It does not measure ventilation. Capnography measures end-tidal CO2 and helps assess ventilation and tube placement.

Endotracheal intubation

Intubation protects the airway, prevents aspiration, and allows controlled ventilation. Inflate the cuff just enough to seal the airway without causing pressure necrosis of the tracheal mucosa.

Anesthetic hypothermia

Hypothermia is common during anesthesia because of heat loss and altered thermoregulation. Use forced warm air blankets, warmed fluids, and minimize exposed surface area to maintain body temperature.

CPR compression rate

Small animal CPR uses chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, compressing one-third to one-half of chest diameter. Minimize interruptions and ventilate every 30 compressions with two breaths.

Shock fluid bolus

Hypovolemic shock is treated with a rapid crystalloid bolus of 10-20 mL/kg IV, followed by reassessment of perfusion. Avoid over-resuscitation in patients with cardiac or pulmonary disease.

GDV emergency

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a surgical emergency. Perform gastric decompression, treat shock with fluids, and prepare the patient for surgery. Monitor for arrhythmias and recurrence after surgery.

Pain assessment scales

Validated tools such as the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and Colorado State University acute pain scales guide assessment. Reassess after treatment and document scores in the medical record.

Multimodal analgesia

Multimodal analgesia combines opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, and adjuncts such as gabapentin or ketamine. Targeting multiple pain pathways improves comfort and allows lower doses of individual drugs.

NSAID contraindications

NSAIDs are contraindicated in dehydration, renal disease, and GI ulceration. Avoid concurrent use with corticosteroids because of increased GI ulceration risk. Monitor renal values with long-term use.

VCPR definition

The veterinary-client-patient relationship requires the veterinarian to assume responsibility, have sufficient knowledge of the patient, and provide follow-up. A valid VCPR is required for prescribing and treatment.

Informed consent

Informed consent requires explaining diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and costs, then documenting the client's decision. It protects the patient and the practice and supports clear communication.

Avian handling

Birds have air sacs, a syrinx, and a cloaca. Handle gently to avoid stress and respiratory compromise. Limit blood collection to about 1% of body weight to prevent hypovolemia.