Veterinary Technology: Medical Records, Syringe Handling, Safety, and Wellbeing

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering medical record protocols, syringe handling steps, OSHA safety, and staff wellbeing grounded in veterinary technology lectures.

Primary Functions of Medical Records

To support patient care by identifying the patient and owner, documenting diagnostic procedures, diagnoses, treatments, prognoses, and client communications.

Secondary Functions of Medical Records

To evaluate medical information for business management, legal defense, and research purposes.

Medical Record Correction Protocol

The legal procedure for fixing chart errors by drawing a single line through the mistake, initialing it, and writing the correct entry in black ink without using white-out or erasing.

Signalment

The basic demographic information of a patient, including animal name, species, breed, age, sex, and reproductive status.

SOVMR (Source-Oriented Veterinary Medical Record)

A record system where patient information is organized by subject matter; paper records list the oldest information first, whereas electronic systems place the most recent entries first.

POVMR (Problem-Oriented Veterinary Medical Record)

A record system where medical data is organized around the patient's specific problems, utilizing progress forms filled out in the SOAP format.

SOAP Format

A standardized progress note structure dividing medical information into Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan components.

Master Problem List

An index listing all major past and present medical conditions, diagnoses, and surgical procedures for a patient.

Working Problem List

A list of current, active clinical signs or symptoms being evaluated and managed during a specific hospital stay or visit.

NCR Sheets

No Carbon Required duplicate paper sheets commonly used for charting in ambulatory veterinary practices.

Proper Syringe Handling (Step 1)

Placing the cap on a flat surface, such as a countertop, and carefully sliding the needle into the cap using a one-handed approach.

Proper Syringe Handling (Step 2)

Slowly raising the tip of the syringe so gravity allows the cap to slide down and cover the full length of the needle.

Proper Syringe Handling (Step 3)

Continuing to raise the tip of the syringe until the cap falls and completely encloses the needle.

Proper Syringe Handling (Step 4)

Using the opposite hand to securely seat and lock the cap onto the base of the needle hub once the tip is enclosed.

Color-Coded Gauge Sizing

A standard system where needle diameter sizes (ranging from 16G to 30G) are color-coded at the hub.

P.A.S.S. Acronym

The four-step sequence for operating a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards, employee safety rights, and clinic safety programs.

SDS (Safety Data Sheets)

Mandated informational binders located in the Right to Know Center containing chemical hazard details, personal protection instructions, and spill response steps.

Zoonotic Diseases

Diseases that can be naturally transmitted between animals and human hospital personnel.

Burnout

A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress, resulting in irritability, self-contempt, and job dissatisfaction.

Compassion Fatigue

Emotional and psychological depletion specifically resulting from the cumulative stress of caring for traumatized, suffering, or sick animals.

PIMS

Practice Information Management System; software used in veterinary hospitals to organize patient records, schedules, and clinical workflow.