Veterinary Assistant Exam

Which of these body temperatures is in the normal range for a dog?

• 100.5

• 102.8

• 99.0

• 103.1

Answer explanation

Dog or cat normal range: 100.0 - 102.2

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Which of these is in the normal range for a cat?

• HR = 120 bpm

• RR = 30 br/min

• T = 100.0

• BCS = 3/9

Answer explanation

Cat's HR are higher than dogs: 140-220 bpm

RR = 20-42

T = 100 - 102.2

Body Condition Score 3/9 is underweight. (4 and 5/9 are generally

considered in the normal range)

There should be a pulse felt for every heartbeat heard. If a pulse or pulses are missing, this is called:

• pulse deficit

• normal

• sinus arrhythmia

• sinus rhythm

Answer explanation

Pulse deficit: This indicates an arrhythmia. The abnormal rhythm of the heart is affecting the contractility and the heart doesn't complete its "squeeze" to push blood forward effectively.

If you are unable to retropulse the eye, it could mean:

• there is a mass behind the eye

• the optic nerve is damaged

• there is a corneal ulcer

• the eye is normal

Answer explanation

Tumors or firm abscesses behind the eye (retro-orbital) make it difficult to push the eye (retropulse). Normally the eye should have some "give" when you press on the outer eyelid.

Excoriation of the pinnae means:

• The patient is self-traumatizing by scratching at the ear

• The ear had been damaged by the owner

• A surgical procedure has been done to the ear

• Excoriation is normal for the pinnae

Answer explanation

Excoriation refers to self trauma - biting, licking, scratching etc.

"Crackles" heard on auscultation of the lungs indicates:

• pulmonary edema

• pleural effusion

• heart murmur

• arrhythmia

Answer explanation

crackles mean fluid (serous or pus) in the alveoli: pulmonary edema or pneumonia

Muffled lung sounds heard on auscultation indicate:

• pleural effusion

• pulmonary edema

• heart murmur

• arrhythmia

Answer explanation

Pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural cavity/around the lungs) creates absent or muffled lung sounds.

Which CRT is NOT normal in dogs and cats?

• 2.5 sec

• 2.0 sec

• 1.5 sec

• 1.0 sec

Answer explanation

Please be specific (especially with anesthetized patients) when recording CRT. If you write <2 (less than 2) it could mean 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 sec.

Lack of oxygen results in:

• pale gums

• pale pink gums

• white pums

• blue or purple gums

Answer explanation

Lack of oxygen causes blue gums (cyanosis). Pale gums are caused by blood loss or lack of peripheral circulation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

The heart rhythm of a healthy cat should be:

• NSR (Normal Sinus Rhythm)

• NSA (Normal Sinus Arrhythmia)

• Bradycardia

• Tachycardia

Answer explanation

Normal Sinus Rhythm.

Respiratory Arrhthmia does not occur in cats.