Intro to vet tech - final

Who are the key individuals involved in managing a veterinary practice?

Practice owners, veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, receptionist/front office personnel, human resources, pharmacy staff, kennel technicians/veterinary assistants.

What is the importance of good management in a veterinary practice?

Good management leads to efficiency, teamwork, employee retention, and increased client satisfaction.

What is the recommended timeframe for answering phone calls in a veterinary practice?

The phone should be picked up by the 3rd ring.

What should a staff member do if they are unavailable to take a client call?

They should attempt to put the call on hold or transfer it to an available member.

How long can a client be kept on hold without an update?

No more than 2 minutes.

What should staff avoid telling clients over the phone?

They should avoid saying 'I don’t know' or giving incorrect information.

What is the goal of scheduling appointments in a veterinary practice?

To maximize production while minimizing client wait time.

What types of appointments do not require a veterinarian's examination?

Technician appointments such as toenail trims, anal gland expressions, and suture or staple removals.

What is the purpose of expressing anal glands in pets?

To coat feces for marking territory and to prevent complications like anal saculitis.

What information must be included in Surgical/Sedation Consent Forms?

The client’s emergency contact number, an estimate of cost, and a release for additional treatments.

What should technicians ensure when invoicing clients?

Technicians should explain the charges clearly before giving the total.

What is CareCredit used for in veterinary practices?

A third-party financing option that allows clients to pay for veterinary bills.

What are comprehensively covered services under pet health insurance?

Both accident/injury and wellness visits.

What does the term 'deductible' refer to in pet insurance?

The amount an owner pays before the insurance company starts to pay.

What are clients advised to do when discharging their pets from the veterinary clinic?

They must receive printed discharge instructions covering aftercare, medication, and recheck appointments.

What does the prefix 'a-/an-' signify?

Without, absence of.

What does the prefix 'ante-' mean?

Before, in front of.

What is the meaning of 'anti-'?

Against.

What does the prefix 'bi-' represent?

Two.

What does 'brady-' imply about a condition?

Slow.

What is indicated by the prefix 'dys-'?

Difficult, painful, abnormal.

The prefix 'endo-' refers to what?

Within, inside.

What does 'epi-' mean in medical terminology?

Upon, above.

The prefix 'ex-/exo-' indicates what?

Out, outside.

What does the prefix 'extra-' denote?

Outside, beyond.

What does 'multi-' mean?

Many.

What does the root 'card/i' refer to?

Heart.

What does the root word 'nephr/o' signify?

Kidney.

What does the suffix '-itis' indicate?

Inflammation.

What does the suffix '-ectomy' mean?

Surgical removal.

What does the prefix 'hyper-' indicate?

Above, excessive.

What does the prefix 'hypo-' mean?

Below, deficient.

What does the suffix '-logy' denote?

Study of.

What does the root 'gastr/o' refer to?

Stomach.

What does the suffix '-algia' signify?

Pain.

What does DVM stand for in veterinary medicine?

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a veterinarian who has graduated from a 4-year doctorate program.

What is a CVA?

Certified Veterinary Assistant, a person who has completed prerequisites to take the credentialing exam.

What is the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)?

A three-hour, computer-based exam created by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) with 170 multiple choice questions.

What is the minimum passing score on the VTNE?

A passing score is considered 425 or higher.

What are the domains covered in the VTNE?

There are 10 domains including Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Surgical Nursing, Dentistry, and more.

What does LVT stand for?

Licensed Veterinary Technician, a person who has completed an AVMA-accredited program and passed the VTNE.

How many hours of continued education must an LVT complete annually?

10 hours.

Who must pass the VTNE before applying for the State Board Exam (SBE)?

Candidates must pass the VTNE with a 75% or higher.

What is the primary purpose of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)?

To serve as the voice for veterinary technicians and advocate within the veterinary industry.

What is the passing percentage needed for the State Board Exam (SBE)?

Must achieve at least 85% to obtain a license.

What organization provides accreditation to veterinary technology programs?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

What is one benefit offered by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA)?

Free legal center for veterinary technicians.

What is the Veterinary Team Association of Texas (VTAT) primarily focused on?

To represent and advance all veterinary staff through education, public awareness, and legislative action.

Name one resource available for veterinary continuing education.

Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) or VetTechPrep Online.

What is the difference between an LVT and an RVT?

An RVT is another term for LVT but may refer to different states or years in the past.

What is complementary medicine?

It is used in conjunction with conventional medicine.

What are nutraceuticals?

Naturally occurring and biologically active products that can be supplemented in a pet’s diet.

What is the primary purpose of chondroprotectants?

To help maintain the health of cartilage in joints.

Are nutraceuticals regulated as drugs?

No, they are not regulated as drugs.

What is the definition of herbal medicine?

The practice of using plant materials to treat conditions.

What are the two types of pharmaceuticals mentioned?

FDA-approved drugs and nutraceuticals.

What does rehabilitation therapy aim to do?

Relieve pain and restore mobility and function.

Which types of exercises are included in therapeutic exercises?

Strengthening exercises, balance exercises, and endurance exercises.

What is the role of acupuncture?

To stimulate specific points in the body to affect the nervous system.

What does TENS stand for?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

What does NMES do?

It uses electrical impulses to cause muscle contractions.

What is the main use of cryotherapy?

To decrease inflammation and edema.

What is the primary goal of laser therapy?

To stimulate cellular activity and enhance healing.

How is hydrotherapy beneficial for rehabilitation?

It decreases stress on joints and increases circulation.

What are the three branches of herbal medicine?

Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic.

What is the recommended duration for applying cryotherapy?

10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

What should be kept in mind when performing PROM exercises?

It should never be a painful experience.

What is the primary goal of using electrical stimulation therapies?

To manage pain and enhance muscle function.

What are joint range of motion tests used for?

To assess mechanical restriction vs pain response.

Which therapy is contraindicated for a patient with intervertebral disc disease?

Walking on a land treadmill.

What recent discoveries have been made about animals?

Animals are sentient beings with complex emotional and social makeups.

What psychosocial benefits do animals provide to humans?

Animals provide several psychosocial benefits, leading humans to invest time, energy, and resources into them.

What is the role of veterinary technicians during the grief process?

Veterinary technicians support animal owners during the grieving process for their pets.

What does bond-centered care emphasize at the end of an animal’s life?

It focuses on supporting the bond between the owner and the animal.

What are the three C’s needed for a successful euthanasia event?

Compassion, Confidence, and Control.

What should be discussed with clients regarding advance directives?

Clients' wishes regarding their pet’s last moments and aftercare options should be discussed.

What are two common aftercare options for pets after euthanasia?

Burial and cremation.

What preparations are important before performing euthanasia?

Preparing the space, the patient, and the client for the experience.

What does the term 'dysthanasia' refer to?

The opposite of a good death; when the patient or client suffers during the dying process.

What signs indicate impending death in a pet?

Agonal breathing, loss of control of urination/defecation, and muscle twitching.

What are the confirmation signs of death in a pet?

Absence of corneal reflex and absence of heartbeat for at least 60 minutes.

What ethical consideration is involved in euthanasia?

Every euthanasia case carries an ethical aspect that technicians must navigate.

What are the characteristics of anticipatory grief?

Contemplating death prior to the event of death.

What should technicians be aware of to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue?

They must take care of their emotional and mental well-being due to the frequency of emotionally charged situations.

What is stated about death in the conclusion of the lecture?

Death is natural, inevitable, meaningful, and euthanasia is an experience, not just a procedure.

What is gerontology?

The study of the aging process.

What does geriatrics focus on?

The study of health and disease of geriatric patients.

What are common medical issues of geriatric patients?

Neoplasia, arthritis, endocrine disease, fecal/urinary incontinence.

What is hospice care designed to support?

Individuals in the final phases of their life, focusing on quality of life and comfort.

What does palliative care aim to do?

Support and improve quality of life by relieving suffering.

What is senescence?

The condition or process of deteriorating with age.

How does aging affect the cardiovascular system?

Cardiovascular endurance decreases, loses pumping efficiency.

What is one characteristic of aging musculoskeletal health?

Sarcopenia, which is age-related loss of muscle mass.

Which organ system has a decreased ability to combat infection with age?

The immune system.

What happens to a geriatric patient’s gastrointestinal system?

Decreased salivary and gastric acid secretions, and decreased colonic motility.

What can cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) lead to in geriatric pets?

Confusion, altered relationships, changes in activity, memory problems.

What is cachexia?

The loss of lean body mass caused by a disease.

How should the nutrition of geriatric patients be adjusted?

High-quality protein, low fat, high fiber diet.

What is one approach to improve the quality of life for aging pets?

Improving navigational abilities and ensuring safe spaces.

What are two major effects of nutrition on geriatric patients?

Decreased ability to adapt to changes in nutrition and inability to handle nutritional excesses or deficiencies.