Prendergast Q&A Deck Flashcards
List the main duties associated with a groomer.
The main duties associated with a groomer are clipping hair, trimming nails, and maintaining a pet’s hair coat.
List the main duties associated with a kennel assistant.
A kennel assistant cleans animals and offers food and water at the veterinarian’s request, understand cleaning protocols and nutritional requirements of patients.
List the main duties associated with a veterinary assistant.
Veterinary assistants help technicians and veterinarians with restraint, diagnostics, and procedures.
List the main duties associated with a veterinary technician.
A technician assists the veterinarian in diagnostic procedures and restraint, and provides team and client education as well as patient care.
Define a veterinary technician specialty.
A technician specialty is a specialization within a particular field of veterinary medicine, in which credentials are received after completing requirements and examination.
What is the purpose of continuing education?
Continuing education provides the team with updated information, improves team moral, and is required for those with a license.
Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a credentialed veterinary technician?
a. Passing only the state licensing examination
b. Graduating from a 2-year veterinary technology program approved by the AVMA
c. Obtaining at least 5 years of experience in the related field and then passing the licensure examination
d. None of the above
B. Graduating from a 2-year veterinary technology program approved by the AVMA
Which of the following is a responsibility of a veterinary assistant?
a. Restraint of animals
b. Client satisfaction
c. Laboratory skills
d. All of the above
e. Both A and C
D. All of the above
What does NAVTA stand for?
a. Nationally Accredited Veterinary Technologist of America
b. National Association of Veterinary Teams of America
c. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
d. None of the above
C. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
Which of the following are responsibilities of a practice manager?
a. Overseeing only the front office staff
b. Managing only the finances of the practice
c. Ensuring the correct staff members are hired for team management
d. Having multiple responsibilities covering all employees, client relations, finances, and overall maintenance of practice
D. Having multiple responsibilities covering all employees, client relations, finances, and overall maintenance of practice
Which of the following are requirements of a veterinarian?
a. Obtaining continuing education requirements each year
b. Passing both national and state licensing examinations
c. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine
d. All of the above
D. All of the above
Define how great leadership can benefit the practice.
Great leadership builds an employee bond with the practice, and creates a proactive environment that requires little management. A motivating leader generates enthusiasm and excitement and provides a path for team members to be successful.
Define how poor leadership can negatively affect the practice.
Poor leadership yields high employee turnover, unsatisfied clientele, low client compliance, and high management responsibilities.
Define organizational development.
Organizational development is defined as the development, improvement, and effectiveness of an organization that includes the culture, values, systems, and behaviors.
Define employee development.
Employee Development is defined as building team retention, motivation, engagement and individual well-being.
Name some ways effective leadership is shown.
Effective Leadership is shown through character, behavior, and actions.
Define situational leadership.
It is the leader’s responsibility to recognize and adapt to the team in which he/she is leading; it is not up to the team to change or adapt to the leader.
In the Leadership Challenge, founded by Kouzes and Posner, name at least three components of great leadership.
Challenges the status quo, which leads to innovation when change is needed; Enables and empowers collaboration amongst team members; Walks the walk; Encourages team members through recognition and accomplishments; Inspires the buy-in of the mission, vision, and values.
Define a practice mission.
The mission is defined as the purpose of the hospital and the fundamental reason that the practice exists.
How can a lack of MVVs negatively affect the practice?
Owners operate without a clearly defined path for success, managers struggle to implement policies and procedures that support a vision for the hospital, and team members lack the direction needed to meet desired goals.
Name some areas in practice that MVVs can affect.
Human resources, marketing and finance.
Explain some ways in which a diverse team can positively affect the practice.
Diversity provides different insights that can be used to identify problems, solve problems, create solutions, or develop successful pathways to achieve goals.
Why is having a work-life balance important?
If one’s work balance overloads their life balance, burnout will likely occur within five years (even if you love your job). Team members are seeking flexible work schedules with less hours and more work-life balance. Leaving work at the end of the day becomes exactly that: leaving work.
Name some effective methods to retain team members.
An employer brand is established by creating a strong positive culture that draws potential candidates to the practice seeking employment opportunities.
Describe how an “employer brand” is established.
Retaining team members can be effectively accomplished by identifying each team member’s wants and needs, cultivating inclusion, and enhancing employee engagement. It also occurs through positive reinforcement, rewards, expanding roles, and career development.
Define empowerment and why it’s important to empower team members.
Empower means to give power or authority to; to authorize; to enable or permit. This means giving team members the ability and permission to complete tasks and objectives. Empowering is the concept of encouraging and authorizing workers to take initiative to improve operations, reduce costs, and improve the quality and quantity of service.
Determine mistakes on the following end-of-day reconciliation:
Total invoices:
$6798.34
Total cash:
$235.68
Total cash counted:
$435.68
Total checks:
$564.67
Total checks counted:
$480.98
Total credit card transactions:
$5977.99
Total credit card slips counted:
$4478.67
Total payments:
$6798.34
Total counts: _____________
Checks and credit card slips do not match. Missing checks and credit card slips must be found.
Why are health certificates required?
To prevent the spread of disease.
What makes the first impression on clients?
Telephone calls and receptionist, followed by the reception area when the client arrives.
What information should not be given to clients over the phone by the receptionist?
Medical advice.
How can a phone shopper be turned into a client?
Services should be detailed to phone shoppers so they can understand the value of the services. At the end of the conversation, the receptionist should ask when an appointment can be made, or let the shopper know when the next available appointment is.
How should a declined credit card be handled?
The client should be informed quietly and discreetly that the card was declined, and ask for another type of payment.
Why should invoices be reviewed with clients, not just given to them?
Clients should understand what they are paying for, and perceive the value of the service. Invoices presented without explanation gives clients a sense of sticker shock.
Of the following, which checks are issued from a bank and constitute guaranteed funds?
a. Personal checks
b. Cashier’s checks
c. Traveler’s checks
d. Third-party checks
B. Cashier’s checks
How many components does the human voice contain?
a. 2
b. 6
c. 4
d. 3
C. 4
Which of the following is a proper phone introduction?
a. “Hello, this is Brooke, how can I help you?”
b. “Good Morning, ABC Animal Clinic, this is Teresa. How may I help you?”
c. “ABC Veterinary Clinic, can I help you?”
d. “Good afternoon, ABC Animal Clinic. How may I help you?”
B. “Good Morning, ABC Animal Clinic, this is Teresa. How may I help you?”
If the appointment schedule is full, the receptionist should say which of the following during a phone conversation?
a. “Sorry Mrs. Jones, we are unable to see you today; can I schedule you an appointment for next week?”
b. “You are welcome to drop off Fluffy with us today, or come in as a walk-in, because we do not have any appointments available, but we would be glad to work you in.”
c. “We have had several emergencies and walk-ins already today. Can Bella wait to be seen until tomorrow?”
d. “Mrs. Smith, you can come in as a walk-in, but you will have a very long wait; we are extremely busy today.”
B. “You are welcome to drop off Fluffy with us today, or come in as a walk-in, because we do not have any appointments available, but we would be glad to work you in.”
When should receptionists reconcile the transactions to ensure they are all correct?
a. Daily at the end of the day
b. Weekly
c. Daily at the beginning of the following day
d. On an as-needed basis
A. Daily at the end of the day
What is the purpose of requiring owners to sign consent forms?
a. To ensure the owner is understanding of why they are leaving their pet
b. To protect veterinary practices and team members from any issues that may arise and may need to be submitted in the case of a lawsuit.
c. To satisfy state law
d. All of the above
B. To protect veterinary practices and team members from any issues that may arise and may need to be submitted in the case of a lawsuit.
Why are informed consent forms so critical in veterinary medicine?
Clients must be fully informed and authorize all procedures that are to be performed on their pet.
What is a carnivore?
A carnivore is an animal for which meat is their main diet component.
What are the characteristics of an effective allergy diet?
An effective allergy diet is composed of proteins that are hydrolyzed, preventing the body from recognizing the protein and developing a reaction. A novel protein may be introduced if the pet has never been exposed to that protein before.
Why is the admitting procedure for boarding patients so important?
It is critical to correctly admit boarding patients, allowing medication, food, and activity levels to be outlined by the owner. Some patients may have received medications at various times, and special foods that the practice normally does not feed; it is imperative to receive clear instructions from the owner.
What information is required on a medication label?
Information required on a medication label includes the practice name, address, and phone number; doctor’s name; date; client’s name; patient’s name; name of the medication; directions for administering the medication; and the expiration date of the product.
Interpret this prescription: Diphenhydramine; 1 cap PO EOD × 21d.
Give 1 capsule every other day for 21 days.
Give an example of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), and firocoxib (Previcox).
Why should all communications with the client be documented in the record?
All communications with clients (including admitting procedures) must be documented in the record, allowing all team members to know what was stated to the client. Should the record be sent to a veterinary specialist or a court of law, the recipient would have proof of what was communicated.
Why should a receptionist double-check medication that is dispensed to clients?
Receptionists are the last team members to review the medication before it leaves the practice; they can catch errors that could potentially be fatal.
What is a vasodilator?
A vasodilator is a drug that widens constricted blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through the vessels easier.
Vital signs that should be obtained during the history-taking process include all of the following except:
a. Body condition scoring
b. Respiratory rate
c. Heart rate
d. Capillary refill time
D. Capillary refill time
A rabies vaccine is considered to be:
a. Modified live vaccine
b. Killed vaccine
c. Live vaccine
d. None of the above
B. Killed vaccine
A urine specific gravity indicates:
a. A urinary tract infection
b. The ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
c. The ability of the bladder to concentrate urine
d. Diabetes mellitus
B. The ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
Patients undergoing anesthesia must have a physical examination:
a. 12 hours before anesthesia
b. During anesthesia
c. 12 hours postoperatively
d. Within 12 hours of anesthesia
D. Within 12 hours of anesthesia
Cerenia is considered which type of drug?
a. Gastric
b. Cardiac
c. Nervous
d. Respiratory
A. Gastric
How should laboratory samples be packaged for shipment?
Samples should be packaged to protect them from damage during shipment. Slides should be placed in a slide container. Histopathology jars should be sealed tight, placed in an absorbable material, and placed inside a Zip-lock bag. Blood tubes should be secured in an absorbent material, preventing the tubes from being crushed during shipment.
What is serum?
Serum is the liquid portion of a red top or tube after centrifugation has occurred.
What tests use serum?
Serum is used for most chemistry tests as well as phenobarbital levels, thyroid levels, and bile acids.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the liquid portion of a purple, lavender, or green top tube that contains anticoagulant.
What is an anaerobic bacterium?
An anaerobic bacterium does not require oxygen to grow.
Why should cytology samples be submitted separately from samples preserved in formalin?
Formalin has been related to degrading cells on cytology submissions.
Why should samples be submitted on ice?
The ice keeps the sample chilled, which preserves cell function.
What information needs to be recorded on the laboratory sheet?
Information recorded on a laboratory sheet may include the date; doctor’s name; patient’s name; owner’s last name; patient species, age, and gender; a history if pathology is being submitted; and the requested test(s).
What factors should be considered when choosing an outside laboratory?
Factors to consider when choosing an outside laboratory include customer service, result turnaround time, courier pickup, availability of service items, and the availability for case consults.
What does RTT stand for?
a. Refrigerate test time
b. Red-topped tube
c. Result target time
d. Report thromboplastin time
B. Red-topped tube
What does an LTT contain?
a. Anticoagulant EDTA
b. Sodium citrate
c. Nothing
d. Serum separator gel
A. Anticoagulant EDTA
What testing laboratory can a gastrointestinal panel be sent to?
a. Colorado State University
b. Vita-Tech Laboratories
c. Midwest Animal Blood Services
d. Texas A&M University
D. Texas A&M University
How much formalin should be added to tissue before submitting it for testing?
a. 20 times the volume of the sample
b. 15 times the volume of the sample
c. 10 times the volume of the sample
d. 100 times the volume of the sample
C. 10 times the volume of the sample
What blood tubes are required to submit testing for phenobarbital levels?
a. LTT
b. BTT
c. SST
d. RTT
D. RTT
Give two examples of questions that cannot be asked during an interview.
Any question that relates to age, marriage, children, or military status cannot be asked.
Other Questions NOT to Ask
• Do you have any children?
• What is your national origin?
• Where are your parents from?
• What is your maiden name?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• Do you have any physical disabilities?
• Have your wages ever been garnished?
• What type of military service have you been involved with?
• What is your native language?
• What clubs and societies do you belong to?
• Have you ever filed for workers’ compensation?
• What is your religion?
• What holidays do you observe?
• Do you prefer to be addressed as Ms., Miss, or Mrs.?
• When did you graduate from high school?
What is the FLSA?
FLSA is the Fair Labor and Standards Act that was created to protect employees from unfair work practices.
What is USERRA?
USERRA is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act that was created to protect individuals that are enrolled in any armed forces branch. Military members cannot be discriminated against for their past or current service and have the right to return to the same position once they return from deployment.
What is OSHA?
OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and was created to protect employees while on the job.
What posters are required to be displayed in a practice?
FLSA, Polygraph Protection Act, FMLA, EEO, IRCA.
Where should the required posters be displayed?
Posters must be displayed in an area that is highly visible to all team members.
What is the benefit of developing an employee manual?
Employee personnel manuals discuss all actions that are expected of employees and may list consequences associated with failure to comply.
What payroll taxes are employers responsible for?
FUTA, SS, Medicare are the taxes that employers must pay for each payroll period.
What is a contract employee?
A contract employee is one who is not employed by the practice, works their own established hours, and is not under the direction of any supervisor.
Why provide training in phases?
Training should be implemented in phases to prevent a new team member from becoming overwhelmed during the first few weeks of training.
How many weeks does the FMLA cover an employee to take unpaid leave?
a. 14 weeks
b. 6 weeks
c. 12 weeks
d. 8 weeks
C. 12 weeks
Which act requires employers to pay minimum wage and overtime pay?
a. FMLA
b. EPPA
c. EEO
d. FLSA
D. FLSA
What does NCA stand for?
a. National Contract-Employees Association
b. Noncompete Agreement
c. No Contract Act
d. Nonimmigrant Control Act
B. Noncompete Agreement
Which of the following is a question you should not ask during an interview?
a. Why would you want to leave your current position?
b. What is your salary requirement?
c. What was the least enjoyable aspect of your last job?
d. When did you graduate from high school?
D. When did you graduate from high school?
Other Questions NOT to Ask
• Do you have any children?
• What is your national origin?
• Where are your parents from?
• What is your maiden name?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• Do you have any physical disabilities?
• Have your wages ever been garnished?
• What type of military service have you been involved with?
• What is your native language?
• What clubs and societies do you belong to?
• Have you ever filed for workers’ compensation?
• What is your religion?
• What holidays do you observe?
• Do you prefer to be addressed as Ms., Miss, or Mrs.?
• Any question that relates to age, marriage, children, or military status cannot be asked.
What does the abbreviation AD stand for?
a. Right ear
b. Right eye
c. Once daily
d. Adrenal disease
A. Right ear
Define civil law.
Civil law is the division of law that covers tort and contract law, and relates to the duties between government and people.
Define contract law.
Contract law works with duties established by individuals as a result of contractual agreements.
Define negligence.
Negligence is the performance of an act that another person under the same circumstances would not perform.
Define malpractice.
Malpractice refers to any misconduct, illegal or immoral, that result in damage or injury to a person or animal.
Why are ethics important to the veterinary profession?
Ethics are important to hold each member of an organization to a higher standard and determine right from wrong.
Why is an informed consent imperative?
An informed consent ensures the client has a complete understanding of the procedures involved, including risks, benefits, and alternative procedures.
Why would a consent form not be upheld in court?
A consent form may not be held up in court if an individual under the age of 16 years signed the form, was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is mentally unstable.
What branch of law does animal abuse fall under?
Animal abuse falls under criminal law and is prosecuted by the attorney general or district attorney’s office.
What is PLIT? Whom does it cover?
PLIT is Professional Liability Insurance Trust that covers veterinarians (and the staff members) involved in the veterinary practice.
Why is medical record legibility important?
Medical records must be legible if the record is ever taken to court. The judge must be able to read and understand the record, or the court may come to the conclusion that the event did not happen (as it can be extrapolated from the record).
Which association created the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics?
a. AVMA
b. NAVTA
c. VHMA
d. PLIT
A. AVMA
What does the acronym VCPR stand for?
a. Veterinary-client public records
b. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
c. Veterinary cardiac pulmonary resuscitation
d. Veterinary conduct and professional responsibilities
B. Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
Which of the following is considered a branch of veterinary ethics?
a. Normative
b. Descriptive
c. Administrative
d. Official
e. All of the above
E. All of the above
What are the two categories of law?
a. Civil and federal
b. Criminal and common
c. Criminal and civil
d. Federal and criminal
C. Criminal and civil
What is the correct definition of an intentional tort?
a. An intentional action that has taken place in which harm has occurred to another member of society
b. Crimes committed against the public as a whole
c. A civil offense to an opposing party in which harm has occurred
d. An injury occurring to a member of society as a result of negligence
A. An intentional action that has taken place in which harm has occurred to another member of society
What is the difference between CF and burnout?
Compassion Fatigue only occurs in a caretaking role, and can occur with one incident, where as burnout occurs over time. Employees must the place of employment to resolve burnout.
What causes CF and burnout?
Empathy and caretaking are causes of compassion fatigue. Burnout is an overall decrease in job satisfaction.
Which has a rapid onset? CF or burnout?
Compassion Fatigue
Can CF occur in any industry?
No, only those that provide care in some manner.
Can burnout occur in any industry?
a. Yes
b. No
A. Yes
Can CF result in loss of clients?
a. Yes
b. No
A. Yes
What is the “A” in the ABCs of care?
a. Acknowledgement
b. Acceptance
c. Awareness
d. Avoidance
C. Awareness
What is the “B” in the ABCs of care?
a. Be proactive
b. Work-life Balance
c. Be supportive
d. Set Boundaries
B. Work-life Balance
What is the “C” in the ABCs of care?
a. Connection
b. Communication
c. Control
d. Clarification
A. Connection
In the ASCPA stress study, which was NOT a stressor listed commonly by veterinarians?
a. Difficult or noncompliant clients
b. Difficult staff members
c. Not enough time
d. Discussing/disputing fees
B. Difficult staff members
In the ASCPA stress study, which was NOT a stressor listed commonly by veterinary support staff?
a. Difficult or noncompliant clients
b. Problems with coworkers
c. Not enough time
d. Lack of growth potential
D. Lack of growth potential
CF is at a peak during which of the following:
a. Work anniversaries
b. While training new hires
c. Holiday season
d. When staff members leave the practice
C. Holiday season
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of cognitive CF?
a. Disconnecting from friends
b. Depression
c. Decreased self-esteem
d. Feelings of self-harm
A. Disconnecting from friends
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of behavioral CF?
a. Increased substance use/abuse
b. Losing things
c. Disconnecting from friends
d. Nightmares
C. Disconnecting from friends
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of emotional CF?
a. Anxiety
b. Aches and pains
c. Rage
d. Helplessness
C. Rage
What is the MBTI?
The MBTI is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which can help individuals make more informed career choices.
Why should one prepare for an interview?
One must prepare for an interview, answering anticipated questions. Someone that prepares for an interview appears confident, professional, and well composed.
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
A cover letter introduces the reader to the candidate, summarizing the qualifications that may not be so visible on the resume.
When would one use a skills-based resume?
One would use a skills-based resume when one is changing careers, highlighting the skills the candidate has, potentially matching them to the skills required by the position.
Why should one ask potential employers questions?
An applicant should ask potential employers questions because it is an interview for both. The applicant wants to ensure that the potential place of employment is a desired location to work, and that values and ethics match.