NV Vet Tech study plan

Build a one-page drug-class map covering the major analgesic and anesthetic agents (opioids, NSAIDs, alpha-2 agonists, dissociatives, local anesthetics), listing mechanism, key veterinary species cautions, and reversal agents.

Calculate 20 dose-to-volume conversions by hand (mg/kg to mL) across feline, canine, and equine body weights, showing unit cancellation at every step.

Explain the difference between multimodal analgesia and preemptive analgesia, and give one worked clinical example of each in a surgical patient.

List the controlled-substance recordkeeping requirements (inventory logs, witnessed waste, storage) and identify three common documentation errors that trigger regulatory citations.

Sequence the five planes of anesthesia and match each to observable patient signs used to judge depth intraoperatively.

Compare injectable induction protocols (propofol, alfaxalone, ketamine combinations, mask induction) by onset, cardiovascular effect, and species suitability.

Describe the components and checks of an anesthesia machine, including the soda lime canister, unidirectional valves, scavenging, and the leak/pressure test procedure.

Interpret capnography and pulse oximetry waveforms by naming three abnormal patterns and the corrective action for each.

Outline a monitoring record that captures heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, ETCO2, and SpO2 at five-minute intervals.

Assemble a surgical pack and instrument tray for a routine soft-tissue procedure, naming each instrument's function and the order of use.

Demonstrate the four knot-tying patterns (square, surgeon's, instrument tie, and a hand tie) and identify which suture materials suit skin, fascia, and hollow viscus closure.

Describe aseptic preparation steps from patient clipping through surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving, citing the reasoning behind each step.

Explain the three phases of wound healing and classify four wound types by contamination level with the appropriate management approach.

Outline postoperative recovery nursing: extubation criteria, temperature support, pain scoring, and monitoring for dehiscence.

Apply a triage system to rank six presented scenarios by acuity and justify each ranking with physiologic criteria.

Calculate fluid resuscitation and maintenance rates for a dehydrated patient and describe endpoints for reassessing perfusion.

List the emergency drug doses and routes for common crash-cart agents used in cardiopulmonary arrest and state when each is indicated.

Perform a dental charting exercise on a described mouth, recording probing depths, gingival index, and tooth abnormalities using standard notation.

Explain the dental scaling and polishing sequence, including equipment, ultrasonic tip care, and why polishing follows scaling.

Describe the preanalytical variables that alter complete blood count and chemistry results (hemolysis, lipemia, storage time, tube type) and state the corrective action for each.

Interpret a provided CBC and chemistry panel by identifying three abnormalities and naming plausible differentials for each.

Explain the principles of radiography (mAs, kVp, Sante's rule, positioning) and identify four common artifacts with their causes.

Compare radiographic, ultrasonographic, and advanced imaging modalities by what each shows best and typical indications in general practice.

Outline proper specimen handling, labeling, and submission for a culture and a cytology sample.

Summarize the veterinary-client-patient relationship and how it governs prescribing, dispensing, and record requirements.

Identify the core components of a medical record entry and describe the legal weight of SOAP-format documentation.

Explain informed consent, estimate presentation, and how to document declined care recommendations.

List common ethical conflicts in practice (e.g., convenience euthanasia, cost-limiting care, controlled-substance handling) and describe a defensible decision framework for each.

Describe basic husbandry and nursing needs across species commonly seen (canine, feline, equine, exotic) and identify two species-specific handling cautions.

Re-derive the 15 most commonly missed calculations (dilutions, constant-rate infusions, drug volumes) without reference material.

Reconstruct the anesthesia protocol decision tree from premedication through recovery for one healthy and one compromised patient.

Explain the mechanisms and reversal agents for opioid, benzodiazepine, and alpha-2 agonist overdose, with doses and monitoring priorities.

Review emergency drug indications and doses for arrest, anaphylaxis, and seizure, and state the first three actions for each.

Complete a timed 30-question mixed quiz across the four domains and log every miss with the underlying concept.

Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions and record the score by domain.

Identify the two weakest domains from the practice exam and rework every missed item back to the underlying principle.

Recite the key checklists (surgical setup, dental sequence, lab submission, imaging positioning, record documentation) from memory in a five-minute verbal run-through each.

Build a one-page exam-day reference of dose formulas, normal values, and triage criteria you can reconstruct mentally without notes.