OR Vet Tech flashcards

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

MAC definition

Minimum alveolar concentration at which 50% of patients do not respond to a noxious stimulus. Lower MAC indicates greater potency; MAC is reduced by hypothermia, hypotension, and concurrent injectables.

Atipamezole reversal

Alpha-2 antagonist used to reverse dexmedetomidine or xylazine sedation. Dose is typically equal to or slightly higher than the alpha-2 agonist dose given; monitor for re-sedation.

Bupivacaine toxicity

Long-acting local anesthetic that is cardiotoxic; never administer intravenously. Maximum dose approximately 2 mg/kg in dogs; epinephrine prolongs duration and reduces systemic absorption.

Normal canine temperature

Approximately 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1-39.2 Celsius). Values below 99 F indicate hypothermia requiring active warming; above 103 F suggests fever or hyperthermia.

Body condition score

Nine-point scale assessing fat cover over ribs, spine, and hips. Scores 4-5 are ideal; 1-3 indicate underweight; 6-9 indicate overweight or obesity requiring dietary management.

Resting energy requirement

Formula RER = 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the 0.75 power, in kcal per day. Illness energy requirement is typically 1.0-1.3 times RER.

PCV interpretation

Packed cell volume after centrifugation. Normal dog 37-55%, cat 30-45%. Values below reference indicate anemia; above indicate polycythemia or hemoconcentration from dehydration.

Platelet estimate

On a blood smear, count platelets in a 100x oil immersion field and multiply by 15,000-20,000 per microliter. One platelet per field roughly equals 15,000-20,000 platelets per microliter.

Urine specific gravity

Refractometer measurement of urine concentration. Normal dog 1.015-1.045, cat 1.035-1.060. Isosthenuria (1.008-1.012) suggests loss of concentrating ability.

Thoracic radiography views

Standard series includes right lateral and either ventrodorsal or dorsoventral views. Left lateral is preferred for cardiac silhouette assessment; obtain at peak inspiration.

Roentgen signs

Systematic radiographic interpretation using size, shape, position, margination, number, and opacity (mineral, soft tissue, fat, gas) to describe lesions and normal structures.

ALARA principle

As Low As Reasonably Achievable radiation safety principle. Wear lead apron, thyroid shield, and dosimeter badge; collimate to the area of interest to minimize exposure.

CPR compression rate

Chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, one-third to one-half chest depth. Compression-to-ventilation ratio 30:2; if intubated, continuous compressions with 10 breaths per minute.

Anaphylaxis treatment

Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg intravenously or 0.2-0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly, plus fluid resuscitation. Diphenhydramine and corticosteroids are adjuncts, not first-line therapy.

GDV emergency management

Gastric dilatation-volvulus requires rapid decompression via orogastric tube, fluid resuscitation, and emergency surgery with gastropexy. Do not delay surgery for stabilization beyond initial resuscitation.

Drug dose formula

Dose in milligrams equals body weight in kilograms times dose rate in mg/kg. Volume in milliliters equals dose in milligrams divided by concentration in mg/mL.

Percentage solution conversion

A 1% solution equals 10 mg/mL. Therefore 5% equals 50 mg/mL and 0.9% saline equals 9 mg/mL. Use this to convert labeled percentages into dosing concentrations.

CRI calculation

Constant rate infusion in mL/hr equals dose in micrograms/kg/min times weight in kg times 60, divided by concentration in micrograms/mL.

DEA controlled substance log

Schedule II-V drugs require DEA registration, secure storage, and a perpetual inventory log with running balance. Reconcile counts and report theft or loss to the DEA.

Prescription label requirements

Must include patient name and species, drug name, strength, dose, route, frequency, quantity, refills, prescriber name, and expiration or beyond-use date where applicable.

USP compounding standards

USP 795 governs nonsterile compounding and USP 797 governs sterile compounding. Use FDA-approved products when available and follow facility policy for documentation.

Suture material classification

Absorbable (PDS, Vicryl, Monocryl) versus nonabsorbable (nylon, silk, Prolene). Monofilament sutures reduce infection risk compared with braided multifilament materials.

Surgical scrub technique

Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine scrub for 3-5 minutes in circular motion from incision site outward. Maintain sterile field and do not re-enter clipped area with contaminated gauze.

Autoclave parameters

Standard gravity displacement sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius and 15 psi for 15-20 minutes, or 132 degrees Celsius for 4 minutes. Cold sterilization with glutaraldehyde for heat-sensitive items.

Canine dental formula

Permanent dog dentition: 42 teeth, expressed as 2 times (incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4, molars 2/3). Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth.

Periodontal disease staging

Gingivitis is reversible inflammation without attachment loss. Periodontitis involves attachment loss and is staged 1-4 based on probing depth, attachment loss, and bone loss on radiographs.

Oculocardiac reflex

Bradycardia triggered by traction on extraocular muscles or pressure on the eye during dental or ocular procedures. Monitor heart rate and release traction if bradycardia occurs.

Low-stress handling

Use towels, pheromones (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats), minimal restraint, and pre-visit sedation for anxious patients. Avoid punishment-based training and excessive scruffing of cats.

VCPR definition

Veterinarian-client-patient relationship established by examination and ongoing care. Required to prescribe drugs and provide treatment; must be documented in the medical record.

OSHA needlestick protocol

Report needlestick injuries immediately, wash the site, and follow post-exposure evaluation. Employers must provide PPE, training, and hepatitis B vaccination under OSHA regulations.

Renal physiology basics

Kidneys filter blood at the glomerulus, reabsorb water and electrolytes in tubules, and secrete waste. They regulate acid-base balance and produce erythropoietin for red blood cell production.

Inflammation terminology

The suffix -itis denotes inflammation (e.g., dermatitis, hepatitis). Necrosis is cell death; neoplasia is abnormal growth; hypertrophy is increased cell size; hyperplasia is increased cell number.