What is the general term used to describe a substance that prevents the growth and development of microorganisms?
Correct Answer: B
An antiseptic is a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms when applied to or on living tissues, either by destroying them or inhibiting their development. Examples of antiseptics used in veterinary medicine include chlorhexidine, iodine, alcohols, phenols, and quaternary ammonium. An antibacterial is a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. A disinfectant destroys or permanently inactivates many organisms. Disinfection is the removal or eradication of pathogens from inanimate objects via chemical or physical means. A virucidal agent is a substance that kills viruses.
Question 267
You have a patient with xylitol ingestion who has developed secondary hypoglycemia and concurrent liver disease. You want to place a central line because the pet is not responding sufficiently to 2.5% or 5% dextrose solutions. Which of the following would not be an advantage of a jugular catheter over the currently present peripheral catheter?
Correct Answer: C
Jugular catheters and central catheters allow for the safe administration of high, not low, osmolar fluids. Generally speaking, fluids greater than 600 mOsm/L can be administered via a peripheral line. The patient described will need 7.5-10% dextrose-containing fluids. Though less than 600 milliosmoles (mOsm)/L, these fluids can cause phlebitis and venous irritation when given peripherally and require a central line. Jugular catheters do provide a safe means to evaluate central venous pressure. This provides a direct path into the right atrium and is actually measuring the pressure in the heart via a manometer, providing a true direct blood pressure evaluation. It allows rapid monitoring and assessment of fluid status and helps to minimize fluid overload. Constant rate infusion (CRI) of medications such as diazepam or mannitol can be given directly via a central line. They cause phlebitis when given in larger volumes or as a CRI peripherally. Total parenteral nutrition can only be safely administered via a central line. The osmolality of TPN is 840 mOsm/L, thus, requiring it to go into a central line.
Question 268
What is the active ingredient in chocolate that is toxic to animals?
Correct Answer: D
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can be toxic to pets. Bakers and dark chocolate has more theobromine than milk chocolate. White chocolate is not toxic. Clinical signs of an overdose include gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular stimulation (hypertension, tachyarrhythmias), and seizures. Xylitol is most commonly found in sugar-free candies and gum. It causes hypoglycemia and liver failure. Tremorgenic mycotoxins are found on moldy food and are neurotoxins, leading to tremors and convulsions. Members of the allium family include onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. They cause red blood cell damage and hemolysis.
Question 269
All of the following are correct upon extubation of a ruminant patient except:
Correct Answer: C
Actually, in ruminants, because of the risk of bloating and aspiration, we keep the endotracheal tube inflated or only partly deflated until absolutely necessary. When the patient is coughing or has strong swallowing movements, we can remove the tube slowly and steadily, ensuring the neck is kept in a natural but extended position to protect the airway from aspiration of any pharyngeal particulate matter. In small ruminants, the tube can often be left fully inflated. Still, in larger species, you may need to release a bit of air very slowly and try to remove the tube again. Additionally, we want to ensure that ruminants recover even once extubated in the sternal recumbent position to ensure they do not bloat. After about 15 to 20 minutes, they can be left alone. However, they should still be monitored frequently to ensure they have not taken up the lateral position. If they have, return them to sternal until they can stand. Note if sternal recumbency isn't initially possible, place the animal in right lateral recumbency to have the rumen on the upside. Finally, with ruminants, we do not need to withhold water or food for any period of time after anesthesia, so they can be offered food and water as soon as they are standing and interested.
Question 270
You are preparing fecals for evaluation to send to the lab but want to ensure you submit the proper test request to the lab so that they use the correct fecal solution. You want to test for protozoal infections in the sample you are preparing now. What fecal solution do you need to ensure the lab uses for a fecal flotation test?
Correct Answer: A
Various solutions can be used to evaluate feces for parasites. Fecal flotation tests are based on the solution's ability to float parasite eggs to the surface. This depends on the specific gravity of the eggs (1.100 to 1.200 g/mL) relative to that of water, 1.000 g/mL. To allow eggs to float, the specific gravity of the solution must be higher than the parasitic material and water. Most solutions we use in veterinary medicine have specific gravities ranging from 1.200 to 1.250 g/mL. This allows fecal debris to sink and parasitic material to float to the surface. Zinc sulfate solution is most commonly used by outside labs to identify protozoal infections. It is highly effective at floating protozoal parasites and causing minimal distortion. It will usually be used in conjunction with another solution such as sodium nitrate solution or the saturated sugar solution to help identify nematodes and other common parasites. Note that not all protozoal infections will produce cysts that can be detected via flotation methods. A direct fecal smear is warranted, using saline and a stain. Sodium nitrate solution is the most common solution used in veterinary medicine. It works well for eggs, larvae, and oocysts but forms crystals and will distort the eggs if it sits too long (> 20 minutes). It can be costly. Another option that is more economical and doesn't crystallize nor distort eggs is that of a saturated salt solution. It is very sticky. Finally, and least desired, is saturated sodium chloride solution, and it can corrode lab equipment, crystallize, and distort eggs. Additionally, the specific gravity is at a maximum of 1.200, so heavier eggs will not float and may be missed.
