NM Vet Tech key terms

The proportion of an administered drug dose that reaches systemic circulation in active form. Intravenous drugs are essentially fully available; oral drugs may be reduced by poor absorption or first-pass liver metabolism.

Metabolism of an orally absorbed drug by the liver before it reaches general circulation, reducing the effective dose. Drugs with strong first-pass metabolism often require higher oral doses or an alternative route.

The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose. A narrow index means the safe and effective ranges are close together, so monitoring, precise dosing, and client education are especially important.

How the body handles a drug over time, described as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Understanding these steps helps technicians predict onset, duration, and dosing intervals for each patient.

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half. It guides dosing frequency and withdrawal times, and it lengthens with kidney or liver impairment.

An unintended, harmful response to a drug given at a normal dose. Signs range from vomiting and diarrhea to anaphylaxis; recognition and reporting are core technician responsibilities.

The legally required interval between the last dose of a drug and slaughter of a food-producing animal, or between dosing and sale of milk or eggs. Violating it leaves illegal residues in the food supply.

Administering an approved drug in a manner not described on its label, such as a different dose, species, or route. It requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and careful record keeping.

Practices that keep a surgical site, instruments, and team free of pathogens, including hand scrubbing, sterile gowns and gloves, and sterile drapes. Breaks in technique are a leading cause of surgical infection.

A timed, systematic cleaning of hands, forearms, and the patient's skin with an antiseptic detergent to reduce microbial load before surgery. Scrubbing proceeds from clean to dirty areas and precedes sterile gowning.

The area of draped patient and sterile supplies that may be touched only by sterile-gloved personnel or sterile instruments. Items contacting an unsterile surface are considered contaminated and must be replaced.

Categorizing a wound as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty based on expected bacterial exposure. The class guides antibiotic decisions, closure method, and expected healing.

Separation of a sutured or stapled incision before it has healed, sometimes exposing deeper tissue. It may follow infection, tension, self-trauma, or poor tissue perfusion and needs prompt veterinary attention.

A tube or strip placed to allow fluid or air to escape from a surgical site. Passive drains rely on gravity; active drains use suction. Drains require monitoring and early removal to limit infection risk.

Drugs given before induction of anesthesia to calm the patient, provide analgesia, reduce drug requirements, and smooth recovery. Common classes include opioids, alpha-2 agonists, and benzodiazepines.

The transition from consciousness to a surgical plane of anesthesia, often achieved with injectable agents such as propofol or alfaxalone, then maintained with inhalant or further injectable drugs.

Placing a tube through the mouth into the trachea to deliver oxygen and anesthetic gas and to protect the airway. Correct placement is confirmed by chest movement and carbon dioxide detection.

Continuous measurement of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The waveform confirms tube placement, reflects ventilation, and can reveal low cardiac output or equipment problems during anesthesia.

Noninvasive estimation of arterial oxygen saturation using light absorption through tissue. Readings can be misleading with poor perfusion, motion, or dark pigmentation, so trends matter more than single values.

Serial assessment of depth, cardiovascular function, respiration, temperature, and oxygenation throughout anesthesia. Documented monitoring allows early detection and correction of complications.

Combining several drugs at lower doses to achieve unconsciousness, muscle relaxation, and analgesia while minimizing side effects of any single agent. This approach improves safety in compromised patients.

Inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, caused by bacterial plaque and progressing from gingivitis to attachment loss and bone loss. It is the most common dental problem in dogs and cats.

Removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces, above and below the gumline, using ultrasonic or hand instruments. It is performed under anesthesia, followed by polishing and charting.

Recording each tooth's condition, probing depths, mobility, and abnormalities on a standardized form. Complete charts make treatment planning and later comparisons possible.

Surgical removal of a tooth, usually because of advanced periodontal disease, fracture, or resorption. The procedure requires anesthesia, careful technique, and pain management afterward.

A panel measuring red cell, white cell, and platelet numbers with cell indices and a differential. It screens for anemia, infection, inflammation, and bone marrow or immune disorders.

A group of blood tests measuring enzymes, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and organ markers such as kidney and liver values. Results assess organ function and guide treatment and anesthesia planning.

Examination of urine by physical properties, chemical test strip, and microscopic sediment review. It detects urinary tract disease, crystals, and systemic problems such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Collection of urine by needle inserted through the abdominal wall into the bladder, usually guided by ultrasound. The sample is sterile and suited to culture, but the procedure carries some risk.

A standardized rating of an animal's fat cover and muscle, usually on a 1-to-9 or 1-to-5 scale. It guides feeding recommendations and tracks trends in weight management.

A written, individualized plan listing the patient's problems, goals, interventions, and reassessment schedule. It coordinates care among team members and documents progress during hospitalization.

Placing the patient in a specific, standardized orientation relative to the x-ray beam and detector. Consistent positioning produces comparable images and reduces the need for repeat exposures.

The settings of kilovoltage, milliamperage, and exposure time that determine image density and contrast. Poor exposure can hide lesions or force repeated imaging and extra radiation.

Practices that limit personnel exposure, including shielding, distance, dosimeters, and restraint alternatives such as sedation. Time, distance, and shielding are the core principles.

Imaging with high-frequency sound waves to evaluate soft tissue structure and motion in real time. It complements radiography and often requires clipping and acoustic gel for good contact.

Rapid sorting of patients by urgency so that life-threatening problems are treated first. It uses brief physical assessment and vital signs rather than arrival order.

A state of inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, which may arise from blood loss, heart failure, sepsis, or obstruction. Signs include pale gums, tachycardia, and altered mentation.

Administering balanced crystalloid or colloid solutions to restore circulating volume and correct dehydration or electrolyte loss. Rate and route depend on the patient's condition and ongoing losses.

Emergency measures to restore circulation and breathing in cardiac arrest, including chest compressions, ventilation, and drugs. Rapid team response and clear role assignment improve outcomes.

Using two or more analgesic classes or techniques together to control pain through different mechanisms. This approach allows lower doses of each drug and better relief with fewer side effects.

A structured assessment tool, such as a validated scale, used to rate an animal's pain from behavior and physical signs. Serial scores guide analgesic choices and document response to treatment.

An ongoing professional relationship in which the veterinarian knows the animal and client well enough to diagnose and treat responsibly. It is generally required before prescribing or dispensing drugs.

A required record tracking receipt, use, and disposal of scheduled drugs, with entries documenting patient, amount, and personnel. Discrepancies must be investigated and reported according to regulations.