Veterinary Physical 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

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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

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.

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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3