Session 3 Flashcards
Physical Exam, Restraint & nursing of the cat or dog
What are the key areas to examine during a physical exam?
Head & face, skin & coat, heart & lungs, abdomen, limbs & joints, rectal area (if necessary).
What should be checked when examining a pet’s eyes?
Redness, discharge, cloudiness, unequal pupil size.
What signs indicate an ear infection in pets?
Wax buildup, foul odor, redness, frequent head shaking or scratching.
What are common abnormalities in a pet’s mouth?
Gum color changes, tartar buildup, broken teeth, ulcers, bad breath.
What is an abnormal respiratory sound that may indicate pneumonia or heart failure?
Wheezing or crackling sounds when breathing.
How do you assess dehydration in an animal?
Perform the skin tenting test (pinch skin and see if it returns to normal quickly).
What is the most commonly used restraint for routine exams?
Standing restraint – Holding the pet’s head and body gently but firmly.
When is sternal recumbency used?
IV catheter placement, blood draws, eye exams.
What is lateral recumbency, and when is it used?
Lying the pet on its side; used for nail trims, x-rays, injections.
What is dorsal recumbency, and when is it used?
Lying on the back; used for abdominal exams, x-rays, surgical prep.
When is scruffing appropriate?
Used for cats, but should be done gently to avoid stress.
What is the key principle of animal restraint?
Less is more – Minimize stress while maintaining control.
What are the normal temperature ranges for dogs and cats?
37.5-39.0c for dogs
38.0c-39.0c for cats
What are normal heart rates for dogs and cats?
Dogs: 60-140 BPM
Cats: 140-220 BPM
What are normal respiratory rates for dogs and cats?
Dogs: 10-30 breaths per minute
Cats: 20-30 breaths per minute
What are common signs of pain in pets?
Restlessness, panting, whimpering, reduced appetite, reluctance to move.
What is the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?
Vomiting is an active process using stomach contractions.
Regurgitation is passive and happens suddenly without effort.
How does vomited material appear compared to regurgitated material?
Vomiting: Digested food, possibly with bile.
Regurgitation: Undigested food, may be tube-shaped.
What are common causes of vomiting?
Infection, toxins, dietary indiscretion.
What are common causes of regurgitation?
Esophageal disease, megaesophagus.
What equipment is required for the Animal Nursing Lab Exam?
A stethoscope and a willing patient (dog or cat).
What is the most common abnormal heart rhythm in dogs and cats?
Arrhythmia – An irregular heartbeat.
What does a distended abdomen indicate in a pet?
Possible bloating, organ enlargement, or fluid buildup.
What are signs of a serious respiratory issue?
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing (cats), wheezing, blue gums.
What is the purpose of effective observation in veterinary medicine?
To recognize change in a patient’s condition, requiring a baseline for comparison. It’s a continual process used to adjust diagnostic plans and individualize nursing care.
What are the basic necessities for hospitalized animals?
Clean, dry, comfortable, secure housing; minimized stress; adequate grooming; identification (neckbands, cage cards); exercise (if permitted); clean water and food; prompt relief of suffering; humane treatment with dignity.
What are the psychological needs of hospitalized dogs and cats?
Socialization to maintain appetite, temperature, and mentation. This includes being at eye level, petting/stroking, and positive interactions, especially during medication.
What vital signs should be monitored in hospitalized animals?
Level of consciousness/mentation, weight (daily, same scale), body temperature (rectally), pulse (palpation), heart (auscultation), and urine production.
What should be monitored and described regarding gastrointestinal excretions?
Feces, vomit, reflux, regurgitation, saliva, mucous. Note size, shape, color, consistency. Specifically look for black tarry stools (upper GI bleed) and frank blood (lower GI bleed).
What are some signs to monitor when assessing the nervous system?
Level of consciousness, gait, head tilt, circling, eye position, pupillary light reflex (PLR). Also, be aware of ataxia, nystagmus, and strabismus.
What should be monitored when assessing the integumentary system?
Alopecia, edema, icterus, ecchymosis, petechiae, and external parasites.
What are the goals of nutritional support in hospitalized animals?
To prevent malnutrition and support recovery by achieving a positive energy balance.
What strategies can be used for anorexic patients?
Try different palatable diets, have owner provide food, change food shape/texture, hand feeding, force feeding. Long-term options include orogastric, nasogastric, PEG, JEG, and pharyngostomy tubes.
