ASAN001 - Patient Evaluation + Triage (AI) Flashcards
What is the primary goal of patient history taking in a veterinary setting?
To assist in diagnosis and appropriate treatment by gathering essential information on the patient’s background and current symptoms.
What key information should be obtained about the pet owner during history-taking?
Owner’s name, address, contact numbers, email, and emergency contact.
Why is it important to record the species and breed of the patient?
Certain species and breeds are more prone to specific ailments, which can aid in diagnosis.
How can reproductive status affect diagnosis?
Conditions like pyometra in unspayed females and prostate issues in intact males must be considered.
What general observations should be noted about a patient’s behavior?
Information on activity level, appetite, drinking habits, urination, and bowel movements.
Why is it essential to know a patient’s vaccination status?
It helps in diagnosis, housing decisions, and infection prevention.
What is the significance of knowing a patient’s endoparasite control status?
Endoparasite control helps in diagnosing issues related to heavy parasite burdens, especially in young animals.
How does knowing a patient’s ectoparasite control status aid in assessment?
It is essential in diagnosing skin disorders and preventing toxicity if improper flea control products were used.
What types of previous medical information should be recorded for each patient?
Previous surgical procedures, any complications, medical conditions, treatments, and current medications.
Why is a physical examination conducted from ‘head to tail’?
To establish a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall condition and identify any abnormal findings.
What aspects are included in a body condition score during an examination?
It includes evaluating weight loss or gain over time to monitor patient health.
What does the acronym ‘BAR’ stand for when describing patient demeanor?
‘BAR’ stands for Bright, Alert, and Responsive, indicating a patient that is happy and responsive to stimuli.
Why should posture and gait be observed during an examination?
It provides insight into the patient’s comfort, pain levels, and potential mobility issues.
What are some signs to observe in the eyes during a physical examination?
Check for clarity, openness, discharge, pupil size, and any abnormalities like anisocoria (unequal pupil size).
How can ear examination reveal potential health issues?
Signs like discharge, smell, or swelling may indicate infection, irritation, or trauma.
What symptoms should be noted in the nose during a physical exam?
Look for moisture, cleanliness, and any discharge (serous, mucoid, or purulent).
Why is checking the mouth and teeth important in a physical exam?
It helps identify malocclusions, dental disease, and oral health, which can impact overall health.
How is mucous membrane color significant in assessing health?
The color provides information about peripheral circulation and oxygenation; abnormal colors indicate possible issues.
What is ‘capillary refill time’ (CRT) and why is it assessed?
CRT measures how quickly blood returns to capillaries, indicating peripheral perfusion efficiency.
Which respiratory sounds are considered abnormal?
Wheezing, crackles, stertor (snoring noise), and stridor (high-pitched breathing) are abnormal sounds.
What does a bounding pulse indicate?
A bounding pulse suggests increased cardiac output, often associated with high blood pressure or early heart failure.
What should be checked during a limb assessment?
Lameness, swelling, wounds, and signs of pain should be noted during a limb assessment.
Why is it important to assess hydration levels in a patient?
Hydration status impacts overall health, and signs like tacky mucous membranes or skin tenting indicate dehydration.
What are common temperature ranges for dogs and cats?
For dogs, 38.0-39.0°C, and for cats, 38.0-39.2°C. Variations can indicate hypothermia or hyperthermia.
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.
What does ‘A-B-C-D-E’ stand for in emergency patient evaluation?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Dysfunction/Disability, and Examination.
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.
What respiratory patterns should be assessed during emergency evaluations?
Look for patterns like panting, tachypnea, bradypnea, labored breathing, abdominal breathing, and paradoxical respiration.
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.
What six parameters are assessed to check circulation in an emergency?
Mucous membranes, capillary refill time, heart rate, pulse, temperature, and hemorrhage.
What does a capillary refill time greater than two seconds indicate?
Decreased peripheral perfusion, potentially due to shock or heart failure.
What heart rate conditions are considered abnormal in an emergency?
Tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
What does a weak pulse suggest in an emergency assessment?
It suggests reduced cardiac output, potentially due to shock.
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.
What are the four main types of hemorrhage?
Arterial, venous, capillary, and mixed.
Describe arterial hemorrhage.
It is characterized by bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat and is the most serious type of bleeding.
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.
What might an animal’s posture and gait reveal about its condition?
Abnormal posture and gait can indicate pain, neurological issues, or musculoskeletal problems.
What does observing a patient’s ‘demeanor’ involve?
Noting their responsiveness, energy level, and signs of pain or distress.
How is dehydration severity assessed in an emergency?
By using mucous membrane moisture, capillary refill time, and the skin tenting test.
