Basic Nursing

Question 1

Things needed for an animal first aid kit

Answer 1

Bandages 
Scissors 
Gauze
Towel/blanket 
Gloves 
Bottled water and canned food 
Antiseptic wipes 
Thermometer

Question 2

Temperature of a canine

Answer 2

38.3 - 38.8°C

Question 3

Temperature of a feline

Answer 3

38.3 - 38.7°C

Question 4

What does CRT stand for and what does it mean ?

Answer 4

Capillary Refill Time

Should press on gums until it goes white, the colour should return in 2 seconds or less, if not they are dehydrated

Question 5

2 ways to take temperature

Answer 5

Digital thermometer

Rectal thermometer

Question 6

Pyrexia meaning

Answer 6

High body temp

Some causes of pyrexia are infection, heat stroke, pain and convulsions

Question 7

Causes of low body temperature

Answer 7

Shock, circulatory collapse, impending parturition (body temp drops before birth)

Question 8

Where can a pulse be read ?

Answer 8

At any point an artery runs close to the body surface
• Femoral artery - inside thigh
• Digital artery - foot (pedal pulse)
• Coccygeal artery - underside of base of tail
• Lingual artery - Underside of tongue

Question 9

Meaning of Tachypnoea

Answer 9

Fast/ increased breathing

Question 10

Bradypnoea

Answer 10

Slow breathing

Question 11

Dyspnoea

Answer 11

Difficulty breathing

Question 12

Canine pulse rate

Answer 12

60-100bpm - large breeds

100-140bpm - small breeds

Question 13

Feline heart rate

Answer 13

140-220bpm - Adult

220-260bpm - Newborn

Question 14

Respiratory rates for dogs, cats and rabbits

Answer 14

Dogs - 10-30 breaths
Cats - 20-30 breaths
Rabbits - 30-60 breaths

Question 15

Causes of laboured breathing

Answer 15

Allergies
Heart worm
Snap test for parvovirus, leukaemia etc..

Question 16

Dislocations meaning

Answer 16

The persistent displacement of bones forming a joint

Subluxation/ partial dislocation- bones are disturbed from their normal position

Question 17

What is poisonous to cats and dogs ?

Answer 17

Chocolate 
Grapes/ raisins 
Ibruprofen 
Lactose -intolerant 
Paracetamol-cats 
Lillies 
Jeyes fluid 
Anti freeze 
Slug bait
Bulbs
Onions

Question 18

Arterial haemorrhages

Answer 18

Most serious type of haemorrhage

Blood is bright red and spurts forcefully from the wound in time with the heartbeat

Question 19

Venous haemorrhages

Answer 19

Slightly less serious than an arterial haemorrhage
But rapid blood loss will still occur if a large vein is damaged
Usually easier to control
Blood is darker in colour
Blood flow is a steady stream

Question 20

First aid treatment to control a haemorrhage

Answer 20

1- direct digital pressure
2- apply pressure to the wound with clean hands
3- apply fingers to the intact skin on either side of the wound and pinch the wound edges together

Pad and pressure bandage

• use a pad or gauze swabs overlaid by thick pads of cotton wool and apply to the wound
• Bandage in place
• if bleeding continues add another gauze DO NOT REMOVE THE FIRST DRESSING

Question 21

How to use a Tourniquet

Answer 21

A tourniquet stops bleeding by constructing all the arteries supplying blood to a wound on a limb or tail.

• correct application is essential
• only to be used in cases where there is severe haemorrhage that cannot be controlled by other methods

Question 22

Restraint methods and equipment for a dog

Answer 22

• Towels
• Harness
• Crush cage (small dogs)
• Muzzle
• Electric dog collar
• Chemical restraint (sedative)
• Blanket
• Lead
• Manual handling