Level 3:
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN6.1
1. How would you confirm which laboratory tests are required for samples taken?
2. List the types of diagnostic tests you use in your Practise laboratory, any equipment and materials needed for it and include 2 conditions that it can be used to help detect.
3. List any faults that can affect the accuracy, reliability or safe use when testing the following –
- Urine.
- Blood.
- Hair pluck samples.
4. How would you deal with any of the above faults?
5. List the faults that can occur with materials used for in-house testing and how they should be dealt with.
6. In your Practice find out the maintenance schedules for the following equipment, include the names of the companies used for this maintenance –
- Microscope
- Haematology/biochemistry machine
7.List the surplus and waste materials that are generated in the Practice laboratory and include the correct method of disposal.
8.What infection control procedures are used in the Practice laboratory and how do you prevent any cross-contamination of samples?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN6.2
1.For each example below list 2 conditions that can be investigated by that method of testing –
- Blood testing.
- Urine testing.
- Microscopy of skin/hair samples.
2. How would you prepare the appropriate site for -
- Blood sampling.
- Skin scrapes.
- Cystocentesis.
3. What methods would you use to ensure the animal feels relaxed and at ease prior to obtaining samples?
4. Name 2 tests and the conditions they are used for that require specific feeding requirements prior to obtaining a sample.
5. What problems can occur with blood samples and what effect may they have on test results?
6. How could you avoid the above problems?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN6.3
1. What information should be written on all samples taken, what other information should accompany the sample at all times and why is this important?
2. What is the correct procedure to be followed when packaging samples to be sent by post?
3. Write the storage methods that can be used for each sample, include temperature and the maximum time each storage method allows.
- Whole blood.
- Tissue samples for histopathology.
- Plasma/serum.
- Urine.
4. Why is it important to confirm that the correct sample is being taken prior to starting the procedure?
5. How would you ensure that a patients discomfort and distress is kept to a minimum during sample collection?
6. List 6 conditions that are investigated using the diagnostic tests in your laboratory, this can include using blood, urine or hair samples.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN6.4
1. In your Practise how/where are test results recorded and communicated to the Veterinary Surgeon?
2. Why is it important that results are recorded accurately and matched correctly to the right animal?
3. What may indicate an invalid test result and what action should you take if you suspect an error in the results?
4. In your Practice what is the protocol for analysing samples once they have been taken – whose responsibility is it to run the test, are they tested immediately, who communicates the results?
5. List the Health and Safety regulations relevant to working with samples in the Practice laboratory and what are the key points?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN7.1
1. Why is it important to confirm a patient’s condition and fluid therapy requirements with qualified Veterinary staff?
2. Name 4 conditions or instances where fluid therapy is indicated.
3. Calculate the following -
- The maintenance fluid requirements for a 16kg dog.
- A 4kg cat is 5% dehydrated. How much fluid does it need to receive over the next 24 hours to correct dehydration and provide maintenance requirements?
- A 32kg dog is 6% dehydrated and has vomited 3 times (estimated volume 2ml/kg each time). What are the fluid requirements of this dog over the next 24 hours?
4. What monitoring methods should be used on all patients receiving fluid therapy?
5. What problems can occur during the administration of fluid therapy and why is it important to bring these problems to the attention of the Veterinary Surgeon?
6. List the materials and equipment you use in Practice for administering fluid therapy. Include at the bottom any other equipment which is available that you do not have in your Practice.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN7.2
1. Why is it important that you know and understand the condition from which the animal is suffering and check all nursing requirements with qualified nursing staff?
2. Write brief notes on the strategy for the nursing care of the following -
- An anorexic 10kg Jack Russell has been hospitalised for 5 days. She is on a drip but still not eating well and is starting to look depressed.
- A 36kg Golden Retriever recovering from cruciate surgery on the L leg. Think about the treatment needed to aid rapid recovery and how you would administer them.
- A cat with Cat Flu, inappetent and not self grooming.
3. Why is monitoring important and how should you record all assessments made, however small?
4. Apart from temperature, pulse and respiration what other parameters and functions may need to be monitored in critically ill patients?
Knowledge and Understanding-VetN8.1
1. List the equipment and materials used for the different diagnostic imaging techniques.
2. Under the following headers list some common conditions for which the diagnostic imaging is used to aid diagnosis.
- Radiography
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
3. For the above three pieces of imaging equipment find out your practice schedules for servicing and maintenance including sub contracted companies used for this task.
4. List the relevant Health & Safety regulations and guidelines relating to the use of radiography including their key points.
5. List some of the common faults that can occur with radiography and ultrasound equipment and materials that can affect diagnostic quality, reliability and effectiveness.
- Radiography.
- Ultrasound scanning.
6. How do you ensure infection control between procedures and different patients? Include cleaning protocol and dilution rates used.
Knowledge and Understanding Vet N8.2
1. Why is it important to confirm what area of the animal is being investigated and that you understand why the imaging technique is being used?
2. How would you position the following?
- A 25kg Border Collie has been sedated and requires an abdominal ultrasound scan.
- A 5kg cat is under general anaesthetic. It has a suspected fracture to the pelvis. How would you best position him to get two diagnostic quality x-rays?
- A conscious 1kg guinea pig requires an abdominal x-ray. What would be the best methods used to ensure good quality x-rays?
3. What methods would you use to ensure all conscious patients feel at ease in the clinical environment?
4. What would be suitable environmental conditions for the following? Think about light, temperature, security and noise levels.
- A neonate for conscious x-ray.
- A 10kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for conscious lateral x-ray.
- A conscious rabbit x-ray.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN8.3
1. How would you confirm that the correct radiographic techniques are being applied?
2. What methods would you use to minimize discomfort and stress to animals during radiography?
3. What documentation should be completed at the end of each radiography session and what information is included?
4. Why is it important that results are matched to the correct animal?
5. What film faults can occur when using cassettes and how would you prevent them?
6. List the Health and Safety regulations and guidelines important to Practice radiography and include their principles and key points.
7. How are the patient’s radiography results and analysis recorded in your Practice?
Knowledge and Understanding-VetN9.1
1. What is your Practice protocol for the routine cleaning of theatres and pre-op/prep room?
2. List four methods available to clean and sterilize equipment and instruments.
3. List three anesthetic emergencies that can occur during surgical procedures and write briefly the action you would take.
4. What would be the ideal environmental conditions for routine surgical procedures? Think about light, temperature and noise.
5. Can you think of two specific surgical procedures where you would need to alter the environmental temperature and the reasons for this change?
6.How would you safely dispose of the following?
- Waste gases.
- Used scalpel blades.
- Testicles, post castration.
- Swabs contaminated with blood.
7. What infection control procedures are used in the surgical area/theatre? Think about equipment, work surfaces and human contact.
Knowledge and Understanding VetN9.2
1. Why is it important that you fully understand the surgical procedure to be undertaken and ask for guidance from the Veterinary Surgeon where necessary?
2. How would you prepare and lay out an instrument trolley to aid ease of use for the Veterinary Surgeon?
3. Why is it important that surgical kits have a standard number of items and that you check this number before, during and after any surgical procedure?
4. List some of the faults that can occur with sterile packaging and materials.
5. List the items that make up a general surgical kit in your Practice.
6. What other specialized kits are available, listing three items in each that are unique to that kit?
7. List the powered equipment available for use in surgical procedures. Include any faults that can occur with the equipment and what action you would take in the event of breakdown.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN9.3
1. How would you position the following animals for surgery -
- A 15kg Staffordshire Bull Terrier for spey.
- A 4kg cat for thyroidectomy.
- A 30kg German Shepherd to remove an anal adenoma.
- l A 10kg Westhighland White Terrier for a total ear canal ablation of the R ear.
2. What pre-surgical procedures can be undertaken to prepare the patient before induction of anesthesia to ensure cleanliness, aid surgery and help reduce anesthetic time? Include 3 surgical procedures where this may be important.
3. What are the ideal environmental conditions, including temperature for an operating theatre?
4. List 3 instance where you may need to change the environmental conditions in the theatre and give your reasons why.
5. What pre-operative problems may be present for animals prior to surgery and what can be done to minimize the risks they present?
Knowledge and Understanding Vet N10.1 & 10.2
1. For each of the below list three conditions that require surgery in that group.
- Abdominal (non-elective).
- Elective.
- Orthopedic.
2.Why is it important that you are able to identify and provide the correct equipment and act quickly when extra equipment is required?
3. List the instruments and materials included in your standard surgical kit and include four common procedures the kit is used for.
4. How would you position the surgical instruments on a trolley to aid the ease of access and use?
5. For what reasons may you need to be fully scrubbed up during surgical procedures?
6. How would you ensure that sterility is maintained in equipment and materials during surgical procedures and why is it important?
Knowledge and Understanding Vet N 10.2 &10.3
1. The following animals have returned from surgery and are now in recovery. What is the ideal position for them to be in?
- A 4kg cat spey with a flank incision.
- A 2kg rabbit after castration.
- A 50kg Rottweiler has a chest drain protruding from both sides of the thorax. He has been extubated and is now in the recovery kennel.
2. What monitoring methods would you use when caring for animals in recovery and what specific indications of problems should you be looking for?
3. Why is it important to pass all monitoring information on to the Veterinary Surgeon?
4. What are the best methods to use to minimize pain and distress to animals during recovery?
5. List the methods used to prevent patient interference of surgical wounds.
6. In your practice how/where are all surgical procedures recorded, why is accuracy important and who has access to these records?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN 11.1 &11.2
1. List the factors that can help determine what sedation/anesthetic protocol is used for each animal.
2. What pre-anesthetic checks should be made on all patients prior to administration of any pre-medication?
3. What monitoring methods are used for animals under general anesthetic and what difficulties should you be checking for?
4. List the different induction routes used to induce anesthesia and include 2 drugs administered by that method.
5. How would you encourage animals to feel at ease prior to induction of anesthesia?
6. What are the key points of the Health and Safety regulations relevant to the administration of pre-medication and anesthetics?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN11.3
1. Why is it important to confirm that the correct anesthetic procedures are being applied?
2. List the 4 stages of anesthesia and include brief notes on the physiological response seen in the animal.
3. List the monitoring information that should be recorded during anesthesia, include a separate list of other observations that should be made but not necessarily recorded.
4. Why is it important that you make these observations regularly and can pass them on to the Veterinary Surgeon promptly when required?
5. What signs would indicate problems for the patient during anesthesia?
6. List the equipment you need to provide and prepare prior to induction of anesthesia.
7. Name a gas that you could be asked to provide to the patient during anesthesia other than the maintenance gas and list its properties and any contra-indications.
8. List some of the sterile supplies and consumables you might be asked to supply to the Veterinary Surgeon during a routine surgical procedure.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN11.4
1. At what point during the surgical procedure should the anesthetic gases be reduced and then stopped? Give reasons for your answer.
2. What is the correct procedure for disconnecting an animal from the anesthetic equipment, materials and gases?
3. What physical signs would indicate pain or distress in an animal and what methods, other than medication, would you employ to minimize this pain/distress?
4. At what point during anesthesia and recovery is it appropriate to provide information to owners? Give reasons for your answer.
5. Why is it important that all anesthetic procedures are accurately recorded and who has access to these records?
6. What would be the best recovery environment for the following patients -
- A 9 month old routine cat spey.
- A 12 year old German Shepherd post splenectomy.
- A 4 year old rabbit post eye enucleation.
7. How long should close patient monitoring continue post anesthesia and when should you provide monitoring information to qualified Veterinary staff?
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN12.1
1. Why is it important to accurately calculate dosages, quantities and frequency of administration and to confirm all requirements with qualified Veterinary staff?
2. List the legal categories for medication and include 2 medications included in each.
3. According to legislation what would be an appropriate dispensing container for the following -
- Loose tablets.
- Blister-packed medication.
- Liquid for external use.
4. According to the Medicines Act 1968 Order 1989 what information is legally required on the label of dispensed medication?
5. What other information is not legally required, but highly recommended?
6. What is the meaning of the following abbreviations -
| • s.i.d. | • p.o. |
| • b.i.d. | • a.u. |
| • t.i.d. | • q3h |
| • q.i.d. | • q.s. |
7. For each medicine group below list 2 drugs of different presentation, include proprietary and generic names.
| Drug Group | Proprietary Name | Generic Name | Presentation |
| Analgesic | |||
| Diuretic | |||
| Sedation | |||
| Anthelmintic | |||
8. What information is required on a prescription for use by a Pharmacist for a POM-V medication?
9. What are the additional requirements that should be included when writing prescriptions for Schedule 2 & 3 Controlled drugs?
10. Write brief notes on what would be good pharmacy management in relation to -
- Stock control.
- Environmental conditions - include room/fridge temperature and the monitoring methods used to ensure temperatures are kept stable.
- Access by authorized personnel only.
Knowledge and Understanding – VetN12.2
1. Why is it important that all medical requirements are confirmed with qualified Veterinary staff prior to administration?
2. Calculate the following -
- A 25kg dog requires an injection of Carprophen. The dose rate is 4mg/kg and the solution is 50mg/ml. Write how much you would give and show your workings.
- A 5kg dog requires Amoxycillin for 10 days. The dose rate is 15mg/kg b.i.d. and the tablets come in 50mg and 125mg. How many tablets of which strength would you supply to the owner?
3. Write brief notes on how you would draw up and administer an injection of Synulox in a sterile manner.
4. Name one drug where speed of administration is important and give reasons for your answer.
5. Why is it important that the medication is given at the correct frequency for the whole course?
6. What is meant by the following terms -
- Therapeutic effect
- Absorption
- Half-life
- Side-effect
- Reaction
- Interaction
- Therapeutic index
7. Briefly explain the meaning and use of the Cascade system.
8. How should unused, surplus and out-of-date medications be disposed of?
9. Give an example of two different drugs whose use together is contraindicated.
10. An inpatient requires three different types of medication at different times throughout the day. How would you ensure that all staff were aware of the needs and prevent errors bring made?
11. Give two examples of drugs in the following groups and briefly give their effect or mode of action -
| • Diuretics | • Anti-inflammatory |
| • Anti-emetic | • Anti-bacterial |