NM Vet Tech flashcards

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

Bioavailability

The fraction of an administered drug dose that reaches systemic circulation unchanged. Intravenous administration has a bioavailability of 1 by definition; other routes are usually lower.

Volume of distribution

A calculated apparent volume relating dose to plasma concentration. Large values indicate extensive tissue distribution; small values suggest the drug remains largely in plasma.

First-order kinetics

Elimination in which a constant fraction of the drug is removed per unit time. Half-life is independent of plasma concentration, and most drugs follow this pattern.

Zero-order kinetics

Elimination at a constant amount per unit time because enzymes are saturated. Small dose increases can cause disproportionate rises in plasma concentration.

Loading dose formula

Loading dose equals volume of distribution times target plasma concentration divided by bioavailability. It rapidly achieves therapeutic concentrations before maintenance dosing begins.

Closed gloving technique

A method of donning sterile gloves by handling only the folded cuff, keeping bare hands inside the gown cuffs. It maintains sterility during open surgical procedures.

Surgical scrub purpose

Reduces transient and resident skin flora on hands and forearms using antimicrobial soap and friction for the manufacturer-specified contact time before gowning and gloving.

Suture size convention

Suture diameter uses a reverse numbering system: 3-0 is larger than 5-0, and 0 is larger than 2-0. Selection depends on tissue strength and tension.

Metzenbaum scissors

Delicate surgical scissors with long handles and short blades, used for fine dissection of soft tissue. Mayo scissors are heavier and used for dense tissue.

Minimum alveolar concentration

The inhalant concentration that prevents movement in 50 percent of patients exposed to a noxious stimulus. It guides vaporizer settings during general anesthesia.

Capnography interpretation

End-tidal carbon dioxide normally approximates 35 to 45 mmHg. A sudden drop may indicate disconnection, obstruction, or cardiac arrest; a rise suggests hypoventilation.

Anesthetic hypotension

Defined commonly as systolic pressure below 90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure below 60 mmHg. Causes include vasodilation, hypovolemia, and excessive anesthetic depth.

Propofol induction

A rapid intravenous induction agent causing dose-dependent apnea and hypotension. It is administered to effect while airway support and monitoring equipment are ready.

Adult canine dental formula

Dogs have 42 adult teeth: incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4, and molars 2/3 on each side. The formula is doubled for both sides.

Adult feline dental formula

Cats have 30 adult teeth: incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 3/2, and molars 1/1 on each side. The formula is doubled for both sides.

Feline tooth resorption

A common condition in which tooth structure is resorbed, often leaving a missing crown with retained root fragments. Radiographs determine treatment by extraction or crown amputation.

Dental scaling and polishing

Removal of supragingival and subgingival calculus followed by smoothing of enamel. Performed under general anesthesia with a cuffed endotracheal tube to protect the airway.

EDTA tube use

A lavender-top tube containing EDTA that chelates calcium to prevent clotting. It is the preferred sample for complete blood count and platelet evaluation.

PCV reference ranges

Packed cell volume is approximately 37 to 55 percent in dogs and 30 to 45 percent in cats. The buffy coat layer contains leukocytes and platelets.

Urine specific gravity

Measured with a refractometer to assess urine concentration. It helps evaluate renal concentrating ability and hydration status; values vary with species and diet.

Fecal flotation principle

Parasite eggs and cysts are separated from debris using a hypertonic solution so they float to the surface for microscopic examination. Zinc sulfate and sugar solutions are common.

Normal canine temperature

Rectal temperature in dogs is approximately 38.0 to 39.2 degrees Celsius, or 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Values outside this range warrant further assessment.

Resting energy requirement

Calculated as 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the 0.75 power. It estimates daily energy needs at rest and is multiplied by illness factors in critical care.

Body condition score

A standardized scale, often 1 to 9, assessing fat cover over ribs and spine. It guides feeding decisions and monitors weight trends over time.

Radiographic opacity order

From least to most opaque: air, fat, soft tissue or fluid, bone or mineral, and metal. This sequence helps identify structures and abnormal densities on radiographs.

ALARA principle

As low as reasonably achievable: minimizing radiation exposure through collimation, shielding, distance, and proper technique while obtaining diagnostic images.

Orthogonal radiographic views

Two views taken at right angles, such as lateral and ventrodorsal. They are required because a single view can miss lesions or misrepresent position.

CPR compression rate

Chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute with a 30 to 2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer. Capnography and ECG guide ongoing resuscitation.

Shock recognition

Tachycardia, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, weak pulses, and hypotension suggest shock. Treatment includes fluid boluses with reassessment.

Multimodal analgesia

Combining analgesics with different mechanisms, such as an opioid, an NSAID, and a local anesthetic, to improve pain control and reduce individual drug doses.

COX enzyme distinction

COX-1 is constitutive and supports gastroprotection and platelet function, while COX-2 is induced at sites of inflammation. NSAIDs vary in their selectivity for each isoform.