History and Physical Exam (Intro to Vet Tech)

What is the first step in creating a therapeutic plan?

Taking patient history

What is another important role with taking history as a vet technician?

Develop rapport with client (Obtain accurate information and build trust)

What are other primary roles of the technician’s during history taking?

Ask questions (Have you been noticing Chance asking to go out more? Has there been more urine clumps in Thomas litterbox?) and documentation

What is signalment?

Information including age, breed, sex, and reproductive status

What four characteristics make up signalment?

Age, breed, sex, and reproductive status

What types of background information should be collected?

General management, preventative medicine, behavioral information, household information, allergy history, and reproductive history

Allergy history

It helps identify potential reactions and guides treatment decisions

List other background information content

Past pertinent medical history (Previous medical issues), Presenting complaint, last normal, progression, systems review (respiratory, cardiac, reproductive, urinary), medications

What is a presenting complaint?

The primary reason the patient is being seen

What does “last normal” refer to?

The last time the animal appeared normal before signs of illness

What should be reviewed when assessing progression of disease?

How the condition has changed over time