NV Vet Tech flashcards

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

Loading dose formula

Loading dose equals volume of distribution times target plasma concentration divided by bioavailability. It is independent of clearance, so renal or hepatic impairment does not usually require a loading-dose change.

Maintenance dose rate

Maintenance dose rate equals clearance times target concentration divided by bioavailability. It is the amount needed per unit time to keep steady-state concentration, so changes in organ function alter it.

First-pass effect

Hepatic metabolism of an orally absorbed drug before it reaches systemic circulation. Drugs with high first-pass metabolism, such as morphine and lidocaine, need parenteral routes or larger oral doses.

Aminoglycoside toxicity

Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin and amikacin are nephrotoxic and ototoxic. Monitor renal values and trough concentrations, and avoid concurrent nephrotoxins such as NSAIDs or amphotericin B.

COX-1 versus COX-2

COX-1 produces gastroprotective prostaglandins and platelet thromboxane, so its blockade increases bleeding and ulcer risk. COX-2 selective drugs spare platelets but still affect renal prostaglandins.

Suture selection rule

Absorbable sutures such as polyglactin 910 are used for internal or mucosal tissue. Nonabsorbable sutures such as nylon or polypropylene are used for skin and tension-bearing closures.

Surgical drape placement

Drapes are placed from the incision site outward. A drape already positioned is never moved back toward the incision, because that movement recontaminates the sterile field.

Hemostatic forceps types

Kelly and Crile forceps are used for hemostasis and dissection; Rochester-Carmalt forceps have longitudinal serrations for crushing tissue. Needle holders hold curved needles during suturing.

Wound classification

Wounds are classed as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty/infected. The class guides antibiotic use, closure decision, and expected infection risk.

Modified Triadan system

Tooth numbering in which quadrant 1 is the right maxilla, 2 the left maxilla, 3 the left mandible, and 4 the right mandible. The permanent canine is 104, 204, 304, or 404.

Canine dental formula

The dog has 42 permanent teeth: per side, 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 2 molars above, with 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 3 molars below.

Feline tooth resorption

A common painful condition in cats affecting premolars and molars, often invisible without dental radiographs. Treatment is extraction or crown amputation, not scaling alone.

Dental anesthesia precautions

Dentistry requires a cuffed endotracheal tube with the cuff inflated and pharyngeal packing in place, preventing aspiration of debris, water, and oral bacteria during scaling and extraction.

PCV interpretation

Packed cell volume is measured by centrifuging a microhematocrit tube. Typical ranges are roughly 37–55% in dogs and 30–45% in cats; the buffy coat lies above the red cell column.

Prerenal versus renal azotemia

Prerenal azotemia has concentrated urine and responds to fluids. Renal azotemia has poor concentrating ability, and postrenal azotemia follows obstruction or rupture. Urine specific gravity helps distinguish them.

PT versus aPTT

Prothrombin time evaluates the extrinsic and common coagulation pathways. Activated partial thromboplastin time evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways. Both are prolonged in common-pathway defects.

Fecal flotation principle

Flotation uses a solution of specific gravity around 1.20–1.30 so parasite eggs rise to the surface. A direct smear better detects motile trophozoites such as Giardia.

Normal canine vital signs

Dogs typically have a temperature of 38.0–39.2 °C (100.5–102.5 °F), heart rate of 60–160 bpm, and respiratory rate of 10–30 breaths per minute, with higher rates in small breeds and puppies.

Fluid deficit calculation

Fluid deficit in milliliters equals body weight in kilograms times dehydration percentage times 1000. Add maintenance needs and ongoing losses to the deficit when planning fluid therapy.

Resting energy requirement

Resting energy requirement in kilocalories per day equals 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the 0.75 power. Illness factors are applied only when justified, because overfeeding is common.

Body condition score

A 1–9 or 1–5 scale assessing fat cover over ribs, spine, and hips. A score of 4–5 of 9 is ideal, and scoring at each visit detects trends before weight change is obvious.

Anesthetic depth signs

Jaw tone, palpebral reflex, eye position, and respiratory pattern indicate depth. In the dog, a central or ventrally rotated eye suggests a surgical plane of anesthesia.

MAC definition

Minimum alveolar concentration is the inhaled anesthetic concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients in response to a noxious stimulus. It is a measure of potency, not of blood pressure effect.

Anesthetic hypotension threshold

Mean arterial pressure below 60 mmHg under anesthesia is generally treated as hypotension. Address anesthetic depth and volume status first, then consider vasopressor or inotropic support.

Capnography use

End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring confirms endotracheal intubation, detects esophageal intubation or disconnection, and reflects ventilation. A sudden loss of waveform suggests disconnection or extubation.

CPR compression rate

Chest compressions at roughly 100–120 per minute with a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for a single rescuer. Minimize interruptions, as each pause reduces perfusion pressure.

GDV recognition

Gastric dilatation-volvulus presents with a distended abdomen, nonproductive retching, and shock. Stabilize perfusion and decompress the stomach before surgical correction.

Radiographic opacity order

From least to most attenuating: gas, fat, soft tissue or fluid, bone or mineral, then metal. This scale is the basis for interpreting all radiographs.

Orthogonal views rule

At least two radiographic views taken 90 degrees apart are needed for any lesion. A single view can hide a lesion or mislocalize its position.

Ultrasound artifacts

Acoustic shadowing occurs behind bone or gas, enhancement behind fluid, and reverberation from gas. Recognizing these artifacts prevents misinterpretation of the image.

Preemptive analgesia

Analgesia given before a painful stimulus reduces central sensitization and lowers postoperative analgesic requirements. It targets pain transmission before the pain pathway is amplified.

Mu opioid agonists

Mu receptor agonists such as morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl provide the strongest analgesia. Buprenorphine is a partial mu agonist with a ceiling effect on analgesia.

Local anesthetic caution

Local anesthetics block sodium channels and reduce general anesthetic need. Do not add epinephrine in areas supplied by end arteries, such as digits, ears, or tail, because of ischemic risk.

VCPR definition

The veterinary-client-patient relationship requires the veterinarian to know the patient, have recent knowledge of its health, and be available for follow-up. It is the legal basis for prescribing.

Informed consent elements

Explain the diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and costs, then document the client's decision before proceeding. Documented consent is the practice's legal protection.