Emergency and Critical Care
This domain tests triage, CPR, shock management, respiratory distress, and stabilization priorities. The exam focuses on rapid recognition and ordered action.
Core rules
- Primary survey: airway, breathing, circulation, then disability and exposure. Triage by perfusion, respiratory effort, and mentation, not by arrival order.
- CPR: compressions 100-120 per minute at about one-third chest depth, minimal interruptions, and ventilation coordinated with the team. Early defibrillation is used when indicated.
- Shock: secure IV access, give crystalloid bolus per veterinarian order, reassess perfusion, and provide oxygen. Treat pain and hypothermia.
Worked example
A dog with unproductive retching, a distended abdomen, tachycardia, and weak pulses is triaged first. The technician provides oxygen, establishes IV access, prepares for gastric decompression, and alerts the veterinarian. The reasoning: these signs suggest gastric dilatation-volvulus with shock; oral medications and delay would worsen risk. Reassessment after fluids guides the next step.
Traps
Giving oral medications to a vomiting patient, delaying IV access, compressions that are too shallow, and failing to reassess after a bolus are common. A normal mentation does not rule out shock.