CVA Veterinary Practice and Nursing Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult dog?
- 20-40 bpm
- 60-140 bpm (Correct answer)
- 160-220 bpm
- 40-60 bpm
Correct answer: 60-140 bpm
Normal resting HR for adult dogs is 60-140 bpm, with smaller dogs toward the higher end and larger dogs toward the lower end.
Giant breeds may have rates of 60-80 bpm while toy breeds may be 100-140 bpm. Puppies have higher rates up to 220 bpm in neonates. Bradycardia below 60 bpm may indicate high vagal tone or cardiac conduction abnormalities.
Question 2: What is the proper technique for obtaining an accurate body temperature in a dog?
- Place the thermometer under the tongue
- Insert a lubricated rectal thermometer 1-2 inches and wait for a digital reading (Correct answer)
- Hold the thermometer in the ear canal
- Tape the thermometer under the front leg
Correct answer: Insert a lubricated rectal thermometer 1-2 inches and wait for a digital reading
Rectal temperature is the gold standard. A lubricated digital thermometer is gently inserted 1-2 inches and angled against the mucosal wall.
Normal canine temperature is 100.5-102.5 degrees F. Ear thermometers are less reliable due to ear canal anatomy. Always restrain the patient and never leave a thermometer unattended.
Question 3: A post-surgical incision appears red, swollen, with yellowish discharge. What should you do?
- Normal healing, no action needed
- Document signs of possible surgical site infection and report to the veterinarian (Correct answer)
- It is just seroma fluid that will resolve
- Sutures are dissolving normally
Correct answer: Document signs of possible surgical site infection and report to the veterinarian
Redness, swelling, and purulent discharge are cardinal signs of infection that must be documented and reported.
Normal healing may include mild redness and clear serous discharge in the first 24-48 hours, but purulent discharge is abnormal. Document the exact appearance and report to the veterinarian for evaluation and possible culture.
Question 4: What is the maximum volume for subcutaneous fluid administration at a single site in a cat?
- 5-10 mL per site
- 10-20 mL/kg body weight per site (typically 50-100 mL for an average cat) (Correct answer)
- 500 mL at any single site
- There is no volume limit
Correct answer: 10-20 mL/kg body weight per site (typically 50-100 mL for an average cat)
Approximately 10-20 mL/kg can be given per site, equating to 50-100 mL per site for an average-sized cat.
Total daily volume should generally not exceed 40-50 mL/kg. Fluids should be pre-warmed. Lactated Ringer's or 0.9% NaCl are commonly used. Absorption typically takes 6-8 hours.
Question 5: What is the purpose of body condition scoring (BCS)?
- To determine breed standard conformation
- To objectively evaluate fat coverage and muscle mass to assess nutritional status and guide dietary recommendations (Correct answer)
- To measure height and length for growth charts
- To check for skin parasites only
Correct answer: To objectively evaluate fat coverage and muscle mass to assess nutritional status and guide dietary recommendations
BCS is a standardized assessment of fat coverage and muscle mass used to evaluate whether a pet is underweight, ideal, or overweight.
The 9-point scale is most common: 1-3 underweight, 4-5 ideal, 6-7 overweight, 8-9 obese. Over 50% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese, making BCS critical for early intervention.
Question 6: How should a dog's ears be properly cleaned during routine grooming?
- Insert a cotton-tipped applicator deep into the canal
- Apply veterinary ear cleaner, massage the base, allow the dog to shake, then wipe with cotton balls (Correct answer)
- Flush with hydrogen peroxide and pack with gauze
- Use rubbing alcohol on the outer ear flap only
Correct answer: Apply veterinary ear cleaner, massage the base, allow the dog to shake, then wipe with cotton balls
Fill the canal with cleaner, massage the ear base for 20-30 seconds, let the dog shake, then wipe accessible areas with cotton balls.
Never insert cotton-tipped applicators into the ear canal as they push debris deeper and can rupture the tympanic membrane. If the ear appears infected, defer cleaning and refer to the veterinarian.
CVA Veterinary Practice and Nursing Care 2
What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult dog?