Small Animal Nursing Flashcards
Varied
What can the T segment’s deflection in lead II D be?
Positive or negative
What causes sinus arrhythmia from respiratory origin?
Influence of vagal tone, especially during respiration
What is considered normal heart rate in dogs weighing 20 kg or less?
Less than 70 beats per minute
What are some causes of sinus bradycardia?
Increased inspiratory effort, gastric irritation, hypothyroidism, among others
What is the heart rate cut-off for sinus tachycardia in cats?
Greater than 240 beats per minute
What is an evident characteristic of atrial flutter on an ECG?
A regular, sawtooth formation between QRS complexes
What is the purpose of the primary layer in bandaging?
The primary layer is used to remove necrotic tissue and absorb wound exudates.
Describe the application of dry-to-dry dressings in wound care.
Dry sterile gauze is placed over the wound, held in place by an absorbent wrap, used when loose necrotic tissue is present.
How do wet-to-dry dressings function in wound management?
Wet-to-dry dressings absorb material from the wound, allowing exudate to adhere to the bandage and be removed.
What is the purpose of using wet-to-wet dressings for wounds?
Wet-to-wet dressings are used on wounds with large amounts of exudates to absorb fluid easily and cause less pain on removal.
What are the characteristics of a nonadherent primary layer in bandaging?
Nonadherent primary layers are used when granulation tissue is forming and minimize tissue injury during bandage changes.
Explain the differences between semiocclusive and occlusive bandages as nonadherent primary layers.
Semiocclusive bandages allow air and fluid permeability, while occlusive bandages retain moisture and are impermeable to air.
What is the role of the secondary layer in bandaging?
The secondary layer provides extra absorbency, draws fluids away from the wound, and adds padding for support.
What materials are commonly used for the tertiary layer in bandaging?
Adhesive tapes, elastic bandages, Vetrap, and conforming stretch gauze are typically used for the tertiary layer.
How does medical-grade honey assist in wound healing?
Medical-grade honey has bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal properties that help with antimicrobial resistance, aiding in wound healing.
List some reasons for bandaging in the head and neck area.
Bandaging is used post-ocular surgery, repair of an aural hematoma, ear surgery, and to secure a jugular catheter or pharyngostomy tube.
What precautions should be taken when applying a bandage postoperatively in animals?
Bandages should be checked frequently for edema, ensure respiration and mucous membrane color are monitored closely, and two fingers should fit under the bandage.
What are some reasons for bandaging in the thorax region?
Bandaging is used to secure chest drains, protect large thoracic wounds, and after spinal surgery in the thorax region.
List some reasons for bandaging in the abdomen area.
Abdominal bandaging is used to secure a gastrostomy tube and after a radical surgical procedure in the abdomen.
How is chemotherapy used in cancer treatment?
Chemotherapy is used to produce remission, prevent metastasis, improve quality of life, decrease neoplasm size, and decrease pain.
What breeds have a genetic mutation called MDR1 or ABCB1?
Many herding breeds have a genetic mutation called MDR1 or ABCB1.
Why is a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs preferred?
A combination is preferred for different toxicities, mechanisms, and efficacies.
What are examples of chemotherapeutic drugs?
Examples include hormones, antibiotics, alkylating agents, and more.
What side effects can result from chemotherapeutic agents?
Side effects may include alopecia, cardiotoxicity, vomiting, diarrhea, and others.
How should technical staff protect themselves when administering chemotherapy?
They should use personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and eyewear.
What should be done with biomedical waste from chemotherapy administration?
Biomedical waste should be placed in sealable bags for pickup.
What is the most harmful waste from animals that received cytotoxic drugs?
Waste from animals that received cytotoxic drugs within the previous 48 hours is most harmful.
How is radiation therapy used in cancer treatment?
Radiation therapy kills cells by disrupting DNA and can shrink tumors.
What is the purpose of administering radiation in frequent small doses?
To minimize toxic effects and maximize therapeutic effects.
Why should the prepuce be carefully managed when bandaging male dogs?
To avoid interfering with urination.
What are the reasons for bandaging limbs?
Immobilization of fractures, wound protection, and stabilization for fluid therapy.
What is the most common type of pressure bandage for limbs?
Robert Jones or Modified Robert Jones bandage.
How should a pressure bandage (eg. Robert jones) be applied to a limb to ensure proper venous return?
Bandage the entire limb to maintain even pressure distribution and venous return from the paw.
Why should the bandage on a limb never be restricted to just the upper portion?
Allows even pressure distribution and maintains venous return from the paw.
What precautions should be taken regularly for the toes when bandaging limbs?
Check for swelling, coldness, and pallor of nail beds to monitor venous return.
How loose should the bandage on a limb be to ensure proper circulation?
Loose enough to allow two fingers to slip under at all times.
What is a method to keep the bandage clean and dry when walking the animal?
Attaching a small bag or glove to the distal end of the limb, removing it after exercise.
What are the reasons stated for bandaging paws?
Declawing of cats, dewclaw removal in dogs, and repair of lacerations.
What precautions should be taken when bandaging paws?
Include the accessory pad and provide cotton layers underneath to prevent irritation.
Why may sedation be necessary after tail amputation?
To manage bleeding from excessive tail wagging or hitting the tail on a hard surface.
What is the purpose of a specialized Ehmer sling?
To support the hind limb after reduction of hip luxation.
What is the Velpeau sling used for?
To support the shoulder joint as a non-weight-bearing sling-type bandage after surgery.
How is a carpal flexion sling described?
A non-weight-bearing sling applied with the carpus flexed to allow shoulder and elbow movement.
What are hobbles used for?
To prevent excessive abduction, such as after hip reduction, in hind limbs.
What are common allergens for small animals?
Common allergens include flea bites, food, mold, pollen, grass, soaps, shampoos, and insect stings.
Where are flea allergies most commonly seen on dogs?
Flea allergies are most common dorsally near the base of the tail.
How can contact allergies be identified?
Contact allergies are seen in areas with the least hair coverage such as armpits, chin, elbows, hocks, foot pads, and genitals.
What is a possible treatment for allergic reactions in small animals?
Treatment may involve drugs like antihistamines or corticosteroids, allergen avoidance, or immunotherapy.
How are hormonal skin conditions diagnosed?
Hormonal skin conditions are diagnosed through blood tests to check hormone levels.
What are some signs of seborrhea sicca?
Signs include dry skin with diffuse scaling, white to gray scales, alopecia, and inflammation.
What breeds are predisposed to seborrhea oleosa?
Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Shar-Peis, West Highland White Terriers, and Basset Hounds are predisposed.
What treatments are recommended for seborrheic skin conditions?
Treatment involves medicated shampoos, corticosteroids, antibiotics for infections, dietary supplements, and vitamin A.
Why are eye ointments necessary before bathing?
Eye ointments are necessary to prevent irritation from shampoo during the bath.
How should the neck be prepped for tracheostomy tube placement?
The neck should be prepped and clipped aseptically.
What position should the patient be in for tracheostomy tube placement?
The patient should be anesthetized and in dorsal position.
What is the cleaning frequency recommended for the tracheostomy tube?
The tube should be cleaned at least twice per day or every 2 to 3 hours.
What steps are involved in the cleaning of the tracheostomy tube?
Steps include administering oxygen, wearing gloves, cleaning the site, rinsing the inner tube with hot water, and replacing it.
When should feeding begin after esophageal feeding tube placement?
Feeding can begin as soon as the patient recovers from anesthesia.
How should the surgical site be cleaned after esophageal feeding tube placement?
The surgical site should be cleaned with surgical scrub on a daily basis.
Why should the esophageal feeding tube not pass the lower esophageal sphincter?
Passing the sphincter causes irritation, reflux, and esophagitis.
What method can be used to unclog the esophageal feeding tube if needed?
The tube can be flushed with warm water if it clogs.
What actions are recommended when the esophageal feeding tube is no longer needed?
Remove sutures and pull the tube out when no longer required.
What structures contribute to an animal’s ability to see objects clearly?
Structures like the conjunctiva, lens, cornea, retina, iris, and more.
What are the key differences in feline eyes compared to canine eyes?
Feline eyes have a tapetum lucidum, oval pupil, and no true eyelashes.
Where is the preferred skin location for subcutaneous fluid administration?
Dorsally, between the scapulas
What method of administration is preferred for moderate to severe dehydration and shock?
Intravenous
What are the common veins used for intravenous fluid administration via catheter?
Cephalic, saphenous, or jugular veins
How is the fluid rate adjusted in gravity-fed administration?
Manually adjusted by the roller clamp on the administration set
What are Buretrols used for in fluid administration?
For precise dosing and to prevent fluid overload while using gravity-fed method
Where is an intraosseous catheter typically injected in small or young patients?
Through the head of the femur or humerus
What is the purpose of venipuncture?
For clinical pathology tests or to administer medications/fluids
How is an animal positioned for jugular vein venipuncture?
In sternal recumbency on a table or sitting on the floor
How is the cephalic vein accessed in venipuncture?
Animal should be in sternal recumbency; extend the front leg
How should an animal be positioned for lateral saphenous vein venipuncture?
In lateral recumbency
What is proptosis?
Forward displacement or bulging of the eye.
Define epiphora.
Overflow of tears.
Explain conjunctivitis.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva or tissue lining the eyelid.
What does a miotic drug do?
It makes pupils decrease in size.
Describe a mydriatic drug.
It makes pupils increase in size.
Where is the medial canthus located?
Area of the eye closest to the nose at the junction of the eyelids.
Locate the lateral canthus on the eye.
It is the area of the eye closest to the ears at the junction of the eyelids.
Differentiate ophthalmic drops from ointments.
Ophthalmic drops are aqueous solutions lasting shortly on the eye; ointments are thicker and last longer.
What are artificial tears typically made of?
They are generally made of a solution of methylcellulose to lubricate the eye.
Why is the Schirmer tear test performed?
To diagnose keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and assess tear production.
What is the importance of using a topical ophthalmic anesthetic during certain eye tests?
To numb the cornea for patient comfort and easier examination.
What abnormal sounds should you auscultate the lungs for?
Crackles, wheezes, and stridor
What should you note about breathing during auscultation?
Pattern, rate, depth, effort
What should you watch for in breathing examination?
Dyspnea
What should be observed during musculoskeletal examination?
Gait, symmetry, muscle tone
How should you evaluate joint mobility?
Flexing the limbs at each joint
What should be noted during cardiovascular palpation?
Femoral and dorsal pedal pulses
What pulse characteristics should be evaluated during palpation?
Strength, rate, and pulse pressure
How is pulse pressure calculated?
Difference between systolic and diastolic pressures
What subjective measurements are used for pulse pressure?
Weak, moderate, or strong
What should be noted when auscultating the heart?
Irregularities between pulse rate and heart rate
Heart murmurs
How are heart murmurs graded?
Using a system from I to VI
Where is the major lymph node location ‘submandibular’ found?
Cranial to the angle of the mandible
What should be noted when examining external genitalia?
Redness, irritation, abnormal discharge
What are the major lymph node locations?
Submandibular, prescapular, axillary, popliteal, inguinal
What should be checked in the neurological examination?
Pupil size, responses, ataxia, weakness, proprioception
What does knuckling when walking indicate in a neurological exam?
Proprioception issues
What are the potential consequences of repetitive ventricular firing?
Ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and decreased cardiac output.
What length will the P-R interval be in atrial premature contractions?
The P-R interval may be short, normal, or long, depending on the origin of the premature beat.
How are first-degree AV blocks characterized?
First-degree AV blocks have a longer than normal P-R interval.
Describe the ECG appearance in ventricular fibrillation.
The ECG shows a bizarre baseline with prominent undulations, no recognizable P waves or QRS complexes.
What characterizes second-degree AV block Type I?
Progressive lengthening of the P-R interval on successive beats followed by P waves without QRS complexes.
What is a key feature of third-degree AV block?
No relationship between P waves and QRS complexes; atria and ventricles beat independently.
What is the equipment required for orogastric intubation?
Stomach tube, speculum, adhesive tape, lubricant, saline syringe, syringe/funnel for drugs/materials.
When is atropine use cautioned during tranquilization for orogastric intubation?
Atropine slows intestinal motility and should not be given before a barium study.
When should a cuffed tight-fitting endotracheal tube be used during orogastric intubation?
During anesthesia to prevent aspiration of administered material.
How long does the antimicrobial effect of Povidone-iodine solution last?
Approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Why is the detergent form of Povidone-iodine solution not recommended for wounds?
It causes irritation and potentiates wound infections.
Define debridement.
Debridement is the removal of necrotic tissue from a wound.
What is necrotic tissue considered a growth medium for?
bacterial growth.
When is debridement considered complete?
Debridement is complete when the wound is free of necrotic tissue.
What is mechanical debridement in wound care?
It includes the use of surgical instruments, dressings, and irrigation.
Why is drainage necessary in wound management?
Drainage helps relieve the buildup of air or fluid in a wound.
What are drains implanted in wounds primarily used for?
Drains are used to reduce the formation of seromas, hematomas, or dead space.
What is the most common type of drain used in wound management?
Penrose drains made of soft, latex rubber.
What is the fastest route of absorption for large volumes of medication?
The intravenous (IV) route.
When should IV administration be preferred for certain solutions?
IV administration is preferred if solutions are caustic, irritating, or hypertonic.
For how many days can IV catheters be inserted for long-term administration of medications or fluids?
IV catheters can be inserted for 2-3 days for long-term administration of medications or fluids.
Which animals are intraosseous routes most commonly used for?
Intraosseous routes are commonly used for neonatal and smaller animals, as well as animals with circulatory problems.
What sites on the body are commonly used for intraosseous administration?
Sites like the femur, humerus, tibia, and sometimes the ilial wing or ischium are commonly used.