Physical Exam Flashcards
What do you need to know in order to perform a physical examination?
Health Status
Behavior
Risks
Species
Individual
What equipment do you need for restraint?
Gloves
Towel
Squeeze cage
Net
What equipment do you need for a PE?
Stethoscope
Thermometer
Glucometer
Blood tubes, syringe, needle
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse Oximeter
What is an example of what can help a PE go more smoothly?
Training the animal beforehand.
What are the recorded vitals for a PE?
General appearance (BAR?)
Hydration
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Temperature
Capillary refill time
Mucous membrane color
Weight!
What are we looking for when we are considering general appearance?
Any asymmetry (from a distance)
Body condition score
Mentation (reactions, consciousness)
Posture and gait
What is considered adequate hydration?
0% - 5%, skin immediately returns to normal
What is considered marginal hydration?
5% - 8%, slight delay of skin returning to normal
What is considered inadequate hydration?
8% - 15%, obvious delay, skin remains tented, or state of shock (death probable)
What do pink gums indicate?
Normal, adequate perfusion/oxygenation
What do pale or white gums indicate?
Anemia, poor perfusion, vasoconstriction
What do blue (cyanotic) gums indicate?
Inadequate oxygenation.
What do brick red gums indicate?
Increased perfusion, vasodilation
What do yellow (icteric) gums indicate?
Build up of bilirubin (hepatic disorder)
What do brown gums indicate?
Methemoglobinemia
