Pharmacology & Chemical Agents Flashcards
6 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacology & Chemical Agents flashcards as text
What is the primary consideration when selecting euthanasia agents for a specific animal species?
Answer: Species-specific efficacy, speed of action, and minimal pain or distress
Selecting euthanasia agents requires consideration of species-specific efficacy, speed of action, and ensuring minimal pain or distress, as recommended by the AVMA Guidelines.
Which class of drugs is most commonly used as a primary euthanasia agent in veterinary practice?
Answer: Barbiturates such as sodium pentobarbital
Barbiturates, particularly sodium pentobarbital, are the most commonly recommended primary euthanasia agents due to their rapid onset of action and ability to produce a painless death.
What is the correct procedure for handling and storing controlled euthanasia substances?
Answer: Maintain DEA-compliant records, double-locked storage, and proper chain-of-custody documentation
Controlled euthanasia substances require DEA-compliant records, double-locked storage, and proper chain-of-custody documentation to prevent misuse and ensure legal compliance.
Why is it important to verify death after administering a euthanasia agent?
Answer: To ensure the animal has achieved irreversible cessation of vital functions before disposal
Verifying death ensures the animal has achieved irreversible cessation of vital functions, preventing the possibility of an animal regaining consciousness during disposal.
What are the signs a certified euthanasia technician uses to confirm death in an animal?
Answer: Absence of heartbeat, respiration, corneal reflex, and onset of rigor mortis
Multiple signs must be checked including absence of heartbeat, respiration, and corneal reflex, with adequate observation time, to conclusively confirm death.
What adverse reaction should a CET be prepared to manage when administering injectable euthanasia agents?
Answer: Agonal breathing, muscle tremors, or vocalization which may occur after loss of consciousness
Agonal breathing, muscle tremors, or vocalization can occur after loss of consciousness as involuntary reflexes, and CETs must be prepared to manage these and inform witnesses they are not signs of pain.