A 9-kg dog was hospitalized for seizures overnight. He received a total volume of 3 mL (4 total injections) of diazepam (5mg/mL) to control the seizures during his 24-hour stay. What was the total mg/kg dose received in that 24-hour period?
Correct Answer: A
Calculate the mg administered from the mL: 3 mL x (5 mg/mL) = 15 mg Divide dose by weight to calculate dosage: 15 mg / 9 kg = 1.67 mg/kg total administered
Question 132
What is the term used to describe red blood cells of varying sizes?
Correct Answer: D
Anisocytosis refers to a wide range of sizes among red blood cells in an animal. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a statistical calculation that is considered to be an indicator of anisocytosis. Anisocytosis can indicate early iron deficiency anemia or regenerative anemia. Hemolysis refers to red blood cell destruction. Thrombolysis refers to blood clot breakdown. Erythrocytosis refers to an increase in red blood cell production.
Question 133
Which of the following is a reversible alpha-2 agonist?
Correct Answer: B
Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) is a predictable and reversible anesthetic agent that falls into the category of alpha-2 agonists. It is primarily used in small and exotic animals. Anesthesia may be quickly reversed using atipamezole, resulting in rapid patient recovery. This protocol is often used in minor outpatient procedures. Propofol is a hypnotic/amnestic agent, not an alpha-2 agonist. Sevoflurane and isoflurane are inhalants.
Question 134
Which drug class is commonly used to treat trauma patients at initial presentation for severe, acute pain in small animal emergency hospital settings?
Correct Answer: D
Opioids are commonly used because of their rapid, potent analgesia and ease of administration. They are not typically continued long-term following hospital discharge. Though side effects occur to varying degrees, they are reversible or party reversible, making their use still very valuable. NSAIDs provide some analgesia and can be part of a multimodal analgesia plan, but are not appropriate as sole agents in the treatment of severe, acute pain. Additionally, the patient cannot be dehydrated or debilitated and safely receive this type of drug. Therefore, they are not used in acute emergency situations. Local anesthetics are potent anesthetics for regional control of pain. Administration of local blocks is more common following a surgical procedure than at the time of emergency presentation due to the increased skill needed for their administration techniques and potential interference with physical exam findings. Alpha-2 agonists have some analgesic effects, but their sedation effects are more potent. They can produce significant cardiovascular side effects, so they are best used in stable patients.
Question 135
What class of medication does bupivacaine fall into?
Correct Answer: A
Bupivacaine provides local anesthesia by blocking sodium channels needed for nerve signal transmission. It is not effective topically. Bupivacaine is not an opioid analgesic (butorphanol and buprenorphine, for example), anesthetic induction agent (such as propofol), or calcium channel blocker (such as amlodipine).
