Veterinary Critical Patient Monitoring Flashcards
What is the primary goal of veterinary critical patient monitoring?
To assess and maintain the physiological status of critically ill animals.
True or False: Continuous monitoring is essential for all critical patients.
True
Fill in the blank: The _____ is often the first indicator of a critical patient’s condition.
heart rate
What are the four main parameters monitored in critical care?
Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
Multiple choice: Which device is commonly used to monitor blood pressure in veterinary patients?
Doppler ultrasound
What does a high heart rate indicate in a critical patient?
Potential pain, stress, or hypovolemia.
True or False: Monitoring blood glucose levels is irrelevant in critical care.
False
What is the significance of monitoring respiratory rate?
It helps to assess the patient’s ventilation and oxygenation status.
Fill in the blank: Capillary refill time should normally be less than _____ seconds.
2
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a vital sign?
Urine output
What does an elevated temperature in a critical patient often suggest?
Infection or inflammation.
True or False: A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation in the blood.
True
What is the normal range for heart rate in dogs?
60-160 beats per minute.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a common site for obtaining a pulse in small animals.
femoral artery
Multiple choice: Which parameter is most indicative of shock in a patient?
Blood pressure
What is the purpose of monitoring urine output in critical patients?
To assess kidney function and fluid balance.
True or False: Decreased respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress.
True
What does an increase in lactate levels indicate?
Tissue hypoxia or inadequate perfusion.
Fill in the blank: A normal respiratory rate for cats is _____ breaths per minute.
20-30
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a method for assessing hydration status?
Skin turgor test
What physiological changes occur during shock?
Decreased blood flow, increased heart rate, and altered consciousness.
True or False: Monitoring should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
True
What is the role of telemetry in veterinary critical care?
To allow remote monitoring of vital signs.
Fill in the blank: The _____ can provide insight into the patient’s oxygenation status.
arterial blood gas analysis
Multiple choice: Which parameter is least likely to be monitored continuously?
Temperature
What does a low blood pressure reading indicate?
Possible hypovolemia or shock.
True or False: It is unnecessary to monitor pain levels in critical patients.
False
What is the importance of monitoring electrolytes in critical patients?
To detect and manage imbalances affecting heart and muscle function.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is an important parameter to assess fluid therapy effectiveness.
urine output
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common complication of prolonged monitoring?
Pressure sores
What should be the initial response to a patient showing signs of respiratory distress?
Provide supplemental oxygen.
True or False: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to monitor heart rhythm only.
True
What is the function of a pulse oximeter?
To measure the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.
Fill in the blank: A normal blood pressure range for dogs is _____ mmHg.
120-150
Multiple choice: Which vital sign is most affected by anxiety in animals?
Heart rate
What does a prolonged capillary refill time indicate?
Poor perfusion or dehydration.
True or False: Monitoring is only necessary during the initial phase of critical care.
False
What is the standard method for assessing a patient’s pain level?
Pain scoring system.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is used to evaluate the effectiveness of ventilation.
end-tidal CO2 monitoring
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a sign of shock?
Increased appetite
What is the importance of monitoring temperature in critical patients?
To detect hypothermia or hyperthermia.
True or False: Blood gas analysis is only relevant in cases of respiratory illness.
False
What does a sudden drop in heart rate after stabilization indicate?
Potential cardiac arrest.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is critical for assessing neurological status.
pupil response
Multiple choice: Which parameter is least affected by external factors?
Blood glucose
