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ASAN001 - Patient Evaluation & Triage > ASAN001 - Patient Evaluation + Triage (AI) > Flashcards

ASAN001 - Patient Evaluation + Triage (AI) Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary goal of patient history taking in a veterinary setting?

A

To assist in diagnosis and appropriate treatment by gathering essential information on the patient’s background and current symptoms.

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2
Q

What key information should be obtained about the pet owner during history-taking?

A

Owner’s name, address, contact numbers, email, and emergency contact.

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3
Q

Why is it important to record the species and breed of the patient?

A

Certain species and breeds are more prone to specific ailments, which can aid in diagnosis.

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4
Q

How can reproductive status affect diagnosis?

A

Conditions like pyometra in unspayed females and prostate issues in intact males must be considered.

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5
Q

What general observations should be noted about a patient’s behavior?

A

Information on activity level, appetite, drinking habits, urination, and bowel movements.

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6
Q

Why is it essential to know a patient’s vaccination status?

A

It helps in diagnosis, housing decisions, and infection prevention.

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7
Q

What is the significance of knowing a patient’s endoparasite control status?

A

Endoparasite control helps in diagnosing issues related to heavy parasite burdens, especially in young animals.

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8
Q

How does knowing a patient’s ectoparasite control status aid in assessment?

A

It is essential in diagnosing skin disorders and preventing toxicity if improper flea control products were used.

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9
Q

What types of previous medical information should be recorded for each patient?

A

Previous surgical procedures, any complications, medical conditions, treatments, and current medications.

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10
Q

Why is a physical examination conducted from ‘head to tail’?

A

To establish a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall condition and identify any abnormal findings.

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11
Q

What aspects are included in a body condition score during an examination?

A

It includes evaluating weight loss or gain over time to monitor patient health.

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12
Q

What does the acronym ‘BAR’ stand for when describing patient demeanor?

A

‘BAR’ stands for Bright, Alert, and Responsive, indicating a patient that is happy and responsive to stimuli.

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13
Q

Why should posture and gait be observed during an examination?

A

It provides insight into the patient’s comfort, pain levels, and potential mobility issues.

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14
Q

What are some signs to observe in the eyes during a physical examination?

A

Check for clarity, openness, discharge, pupil size, and any abnormalities like anisocoria (unequal pupil size).

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15
Q

How can ear examination reveal potential health issues?

A

Signs like discharge, smell, or swelling may indicate infection, irritation, or trauma.

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16
Q

What symptoms should be noted in the nose during a physical exam?

A

Look for moisture, cleanliness, and any discharge (serous, mucoid, or purulent).

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17
Q

Why is checking the mouth and teeth important in a physical exam?

A

It helps identify malocclusions, dental disease, and oral health, which can impact overall health.

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18
Q

How is mucous membrane color significant in assessing health?

A

The color provides information about peripheral circulation and oxygenation; abnormal colors indicate possible issues.

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19
Q

What is ‘capillary refill time’ (CRT) and why is it assessed?

A

CRT measures how quickly blood returns to capillaries, indicating peripheral perfusion efficiency.

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20
Q

Which respiratory sounds are considered abnormal?

A

Wheezing, crackles, stertor (snoring noise), and stridor (high-pitched breathing) are abnormal sounds.

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21
Q

What does a bounding pulse indicate?

A

A bounding pulse suggests increased cardiac output, often associated with high blood pressure or early heart failure.

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22
Q

What should be checked during a limb assessment?

A

Lameness, swelling, wounds, and signs of pain should be noted during a limb assessment.

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23
Q

Why is it important to assess hydration levels in a patient?

A

Hydration status impacts overall health, and signs like tacky mucous membranes or skin tenting indicate dehydration.

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24
Q

What are common temperature ranges for dogs and cats?

A

For dogs, 38.0-39.0°C, and for cats, 38.0-39.2°C. Variations can indicate hypothermia or hyperthermia.

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25
What is the purpose of an emergency patient evaluation?
To assess and address life-threatening conditions immediately using the A-B-C-D-E approach.
26
What does 'A-B-C-D-E' stand for in emergency patient evaluation?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Dysfunction/Disability, and Examination.
27
How is the airway assessed in an emergency evaluation?
By checking for a patent airway, signs of dyspnea, mucous membrane color, and any facial or airway injury.
28
What respiratory patterns should be assessed during emergency evaluations?
Look for patterns like panting, tachypnea, bradypnea, labored breathing, abdominal breathing, and paradoxical respiration.
29
What is paradoxical respiration, and what might it indicate?
It is when part of the chest moves inward during inspiration, indicating conditions like flail chest.
30
What six parameters are assessed to check circulation in an emergency?
Mucous membranes, capillary refill time, heart rate, pulse, temperature, and hemorrhage.
31
What does a capillary refill time greater than two seconds indicate?
Decreased peripheral perfusion, potentially due to shock or heart failure.
32
What heart rate conditions are considered abnormal in an emergency?
Tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
33
What does a weak pulse suggest in an emergency assessment?
It suggests reduced cardiac output, potentially due to shock.
34
Why is it essential to check both core and peripheral temperatures in emergencies?
This helps detect issues with peripheral perfusion, as cool extremities can indicate poor blood flow.
35
What are the four main types of hemorrhage?
Arterial, venous, capillary, and mixed.
36
Describe arterial hemorrhage.
It is characterized by bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat and is the most serious type of bleeding.
37
What is the AVPU scale used for in neurological assessments?
To quickly assess a patient's level of consciousness: Alert, responsive to Voice, responsive to Pain, and Unresponsive.
38
What might an animal's posture and gait reveal about its condition?
Abnormal posture and gait can indicate pain, neurological issues, or musculoskeletal problems.
39
What does observing a patient's 'demeanor' involve?
Noting their responsiveness, energy level, and signs of pain or distress.
40
How is dehydration severity assessed in an emergency?
By using mucous membrane moisture, capillary refill time, and the skin tenting test.
41
What symptoms are associated with 10-12% dehydration?
Tenting skin, tacky mucous membranes, increased CRT, tachycardia, sunken eyes, and cold extremities.
42
Why is it important to record all examination results accurately?
Accurate documentation provides a baseline for diagnosis, treatment, and tracking patient progress.
43
What information should be included in a patient examination record?
Presenting signs, medical history, medications, vaccination status, and examination findings.
44
What does the 'D' in A-B-C-D-E represent in an emergency assessment?
Dysfunction/Disability, which includes neurological assessment for alertness and responsiveness.
45
What can an increase in respiratory rate indicate in a hospitalized patient?
It may signal stress, anxiety, or a respiratory or cardiovascular issue that needs attention.
46
How should pulse quality be assessed in a physical examination?
By noting rate, rhythm, and strength to assess circulation and blood pressure.
47
What is meant by 'bounding pulse,' and when might it occur?
A strong, forceful pulse often associated with high blood pressure, valvular issues, or early heart failure.
48
Why is the lifestyle and environment of a patient important during assessment?
It helps in providing suitable housing in the clinic and identifying any recent changes that may contribute to the presenting issue.
49
What is the purpose of assessing the anogenital area in physical exams?
To check for discharge, swelling, signs of estrus, and any abnormalities that may indicate infections or reproductive health issues.
50
What does a skin assessment reveal about an animal's health?
It can indicate hydration levels, nutritional health, and the presence of parasites or skin diseases.
51
Why should temperature be taken last during a physical exam?
It can cause stress, which may elevate heart and respiratory rates, affecting other measurements.
52
What are some indicators of respiratory distress observed in abdominal breathing?
The animal may use its abdominal muscles to assist with breathing, a sign of respiratory distress.
53
What does stridor indicate when heard during a respiratory assessment?
Stridor is a high-pitched sound caused by turbulent airflow in the pharynx or trachea, often signaling an obstruction.
54
What condition can cause Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and how is it characterized?
It can indicate serious neurological or metabolic conditions, with progressively deeper breathing followed by apneic episodes.
55
What type of pulse change might indicate shock or diminished cardiac output?
A weak pulse suggests diminished cardiac output, possibly due to shock.
56
How can mucous membrane color reveal a patient’s circulatory status?
Pale, cyanotic, or bright red mucous membranes can indicate shock, hypoxia, or hyperemia, respectively.
57
What is the purpose of a 'skin tenting' test, and what does it indicate?
Skin tenting assesses hydration by observing the skin’s elasticity; prolonged tenting suggests dehydration.
58
What are common signs of heat stress in animals?
Signs include hyperthermia with body temperatures above 41°C, panting, and possibly altered mental status.
59
How should a patient be positioned for a neurological evaluation?
Position the patient comfortably and observe responses to stimuli, checking for alertness and reflexes.
60
What is the importance of checking for petechiation on mucous membranes?
Petechiation may indicate a bleeding disorder, as small blood vessels are damaged, causing pinpoint red dots.
61
Describe ecchymosis and its significance in an examination.
Ecchymosis is discoloration due to bleeding under the skin, often resembling a 'paintbrush' appearance and indicating trauma or clotting disorders.
62
What common causes might lead to nasal discharge in animals?
Causes include infections, allergies, and environmental factors, with discharge varying in color and consistency.
63
Why is palpating submandibular lymph nodes important in a physical exam?
Enlarged submandibular lymph nodes can indicate infection or inflammation near the head and neck.
64
What is a common clinical sign of dehydration in the eyes of an animal?
Sunken eyes can indicate moderate to severe dehydration.
65
Why is checking the capillary refill time essential in assessing circulatory health?
CRT provides an indication of peripheral blood flow; prolonged CRT suggests poor perfusion.
66
What are the implications of a swollen vulva with a bloody discharge in a female animal?
It may indicate the animal is in estrus, but abnormal discharge could suggest infection or reproductive issues.
67
How is pulse deficit detected, and what might it indicate?
A pulse deficit occurs when the pulse rate is lower than the heart rate, possibly due to dysrhythmia.
68
What does a 'flat' demeanor indicate about an animal's health?
A flat demeanor, with minimal response to stimuli, often indicates severe illness or significant discomfort.
69
Why is it important to check for any abnormal lumps on the abdomen?
Abnormal lumps can signal tumors, hernias, or other growths that may require further examination.
70
What respiratory pattern is typical of animals in pain or experiencing respiratory distress?
Tachypnea, or rapid shallow breathing, often indicates pain, stress, or respiratory distress.
71
What are the potential dangers of untreated hyperthermia in animals?
Hyperthermia can lead to organ damage, heatstroke, and potentially life-threatening conditions if untreated.
72
How does an animal's temperature help differentiate between heat stress and fever?
Fever (pyrexia) results from internal processes like infection, while heat stress stems from external heat exposure.
73
What signs in the anogenital area might indicate a urinary tract infection?
Abnormal discharge, inflammation, or a strong odor can suggest infection in the urinary or reproductive tract.
74
Why is it essential to examine both the fore and hind paws for injuries or infections?
Injuries, infections, or irritation between the pads or around the nails can cause significant pain and mobility issues.
75
What symptoms suggest a patient is experiencing an arterial hemorrhage?
Bright red blood that spurts in sync with the heartbeat indicates arterial bleeding.
76
What would a dog's refusal to move or bear weight on a limb likely indicate?
This often indicates pain, possible injury, or a fracture in that limb.
77
Why is recording vaccination status crucial for patient housing in a clinic?
Vaccination status helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures appropriate isolation if necessary.
78
How can knowing a patient’s diet aid in their treatment while hospitalized?
It helps maintain consistent nutrition, especially if the animal is on a specific prescription diet.
79
Why is it important to ask about a patient’s recent environmental changes?
Environmental changes can affect behavior or stress levels, which may contribute to presenting symptoms.
80
What are the signs of a 'bright' demeanor in a veterinary patient?
The animal is alert, outgoing, and actively engages with the environment and examiner.
81
What are common terms used to describe patient demeanor in veterinary settings?
Terms include BAR (Bright, Alert, Responsive), QAR (Quiet, Alert, Responsive), sedate, depressed, and aggressive.
82
What clinical observations indicate that a patient may be in pain?
Signs include reluctance to move, guarding an area, hunched posture, and altered demeanor.
83
What does a 'bounding pulse' signify, and what conditions might cause it?
A bounding pulse indicates increased cardiac output and may be caused by conditions like hypertension or early heart failure.
84
What might unusual droopiness of the face indicate during a head examination?
It may indicate nerve damage or facial paralysis.
85
Why is assessing the patient’s heart rate critical in an emergency situation?
The heart rate can reveal abnormalities like tachycardia, bradycardia, or arrhythmia, all of which may be life-threatening.
86
How should discharge from the nose be described in patient records?
Discharge should be recorded by type (serous, mucoid, purulent), color, and whether it’s unilateral or bilateral.
87
What is the significance of assessing both color and texture of mucous membranes?
Color indicates circulation and oxygenation, while texture can reveal hydration status.
88
What is the purpose of a body condition score (BCS) in a physical exam?
BCS provides a reference for monitoring weight and condition changes over time.
89
Why is it necessary to assess for any facial injuries in trauma patients?
Facial injuries can interfere with breathing and require immediate attention.
90
What does 'QAR' indicate when describing a patient's demeanor?
Quiet, Alert, and Responsive; the patient is aware but subdued, possibly due to discomfort or unfamiliar surroundings.
91
What are the primary goals of an initial patient evaluation?
To gather essential history, assess physical condition, identify urgent issues, and document findings.
92
What examination method should be used for a pet with signs of respiratory distress?
Assess breathing rate, respiratory effort, mucous membrane color, and auscultate lung sounds.
93
What might pale mucous membranes indicate in a patient?
Possible anemia, shock, or poor blood circulation.
94
Why is patient hydration status especially important in cases of vomiting or diarrhea?
Because vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, requiring prompt intervention.
95
How is 'hypothermia' defined in a veterinary patient?
A body temperature below 37.5°C for dogs and cats.
96
What does 'pyrexia' refer to, and what are its common causes?
Pyrexia refers to fever, often caused by infections or inflammatory conditions.
97
What are signs of venous hemorrhage?
Dark red blood flowing steadily, often easier to control than arterial hemorrhage.
98
Why might a patient exhibit aggressive behavior during an examination?
Fear, pain, or stress can cause animals to become defensive or aggressive in a clinic setting.
99
What is the purpose of noting heart sounds in a physical exam?
To detect abnormalities like murmurs, arrhythmias, or other indications of heart disease.
100
How can a dog’s refusal to lie down indicate a health issue?
It may suggest discomfort or pain, particularly in the abdomen, limbs, or spine.
101
What are indicators of severe dehydration in animals?
Severe dehydration may cause skin tenting, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and sunken eyes.
102
What kind of respiratory pattern does labored breathing represent?
Labored breathing is characterized by deep, sometimes slow breaths, often involving abdominal effort.

ASAN001 - Patient Evaluation & Triage (5 decks)

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