Triage priorities, shock recognition, and emergency stabilization procedures for the veterinary technician.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the first step when triaging any emergency patient?
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Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs).- What does CRT stand for in a physical exam?
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Capillary refill time.- What is a normal capillary refill time in dogs and cats?
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Less than 2 seconds.- What does a prolonged capillary refill time usually indicate?
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Poor peripheral perfusion, often from shock.- What does pale (white or pale pink) mucous membrane color suggest?
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Anemia or poor perfusion.- What does blue (cyanotic) mucous membrane color suggest?
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Inadequate oxygenation.- What does yellow (icteric) mucous membrane color suggest?
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Liver disease or hemolysis (jaundice).- What does brick red (injected) mucous membrane color suggest?
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Sepsis or early compensated shock with vasodilation.- In early, compensated shock, what happens to a dog's heart rate?
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It increases (tachycardia).- In late, decompensated shock, what happens to a dog's heart rate?
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It decreases (bradycardia) as compensation fails.- What is the most common cause of hypovolemic shock?
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Severe blood or fluid loss.- What causes cardiogenic shock?
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The heart fails to pump blood effectively.- What causes distributive (septic) shock?
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Widespread vasodilation, such as from sepsis.- What causes obstructive shock?
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A physical blockage of blood flow, such as GDV or pericardial effusion.- Unlike dogs, how do cats often present when in shock?
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With bradycardia (a slow heart rate) instead of tachycardia.
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