Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency & Critical Care Sample Paper – Paper 3 Exam Cert VN ECC Sample Paper Question & Answers Paper 3 Note: there are usually 15 questions on this paper to be completed within 60 minutes 1. (The student is shown a radiograph of a negative contrast cystogram/ pneumocystogram) Please look at the radiograph provided a) What is the type of contrast used in this radiograph and what is the name of the term for this procedure? (2 marks) ANSWER – negative contrast cystography/pneumocystogram b) What problems is this technique good at highlighting? (1 mark) ANSWER – rupture of the bladder and the overall bladder shape 2. (the student is presented with an ECG trace with atrial fibrillation) To answer question 6 please examine the ECG trace provided. a) What cardiovascular arrhythmia is shown here? (1 mark) ANSWER – atrial fibrillation b) What cardiovascular abnormality do 50% or more of dogs with this arrhythmia have? (1 mark) ANSWER – dilated cardiomyopathy c) What type of drug treatment may the veterinary surgeon prescribe? (1 mark) ANS: (1/2 mark each for beta or calcium channel blockers or 2 brand names of one of each type) beta blockers e.g. propranalol or atenol and calcium channel blockers e.g. diltiazem/verapamil; possibly digoxin Page 1 of 3 Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency & Critical Care Sample Paper – Paper 3 Exam 3. (the student is shown a photograph/picture of some metaldehyde slug poison) Study the photograph of the poison a) What 2 classical clinical signs will a dog consuming this product show? (1 mark) ANSWER – hyperthermia and seizuring b) List 2 other clinical signs of this poisoning (1 mark) ANS: (1/2 mark for any 2 of the following) salivation; muscle tremors; liver damage (2-3 days post exposure; tachycardia; nystagmus; dilate pupils; temporary blindness (usually resolves after 2-3 weeks) c) What acid-base abnormality is often seen with this poison? (1 mark) ANSWER – metabolic acidosis 4. (the student is presented with a PEG tube/mushroom tipped catheter) a) What is the name of this tube and what is this tube used for? (1 mark) ANSWER – PEG tube mushroom tipped catheter; as a gastrotomy feeding tube, also accept cystostomy tube b) When should feeding be started using this tube? (1 mark) ANS: minimum 24 hours post placement c) Name one potential complication of its use? (1 mark) ANSWER – septic peritonitis 5. (The student is shown a radiograph of an obvious foreign body in intestine) Please look at the radiograph provided a) What post op care may this dog require after removal of the foreign body? (3 marks) ANS Fluids, analgesia, Elizabethan collar, close monitoring of rr, temp etc, monitor wound, demeanour etc, hydration status, nutritional support, monitor for peritonitis, pain scoring Page 2 of 3 Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency & Critical Care Sample Paper – Paper 3 Exam 6. (The student is presented with 3 bags of fluids – lactated Ringer’s solution, dextrose saline 4% dextrose + 0.18% NaCl, and isotonic NaCl) Please look at the 3 bags of intravenous fluid provided. a) Which one of the fluids should not be given to a hypovolaemic animal? (1 mark) ANSWER –dextrose saline b) Which one of the fluids should not be given in cases of acute hepatic failure? (1 mark) ANSWER – Lactated Ringers c) In a fluid therapy plan for a patient, state two of the three things you are trying to achieve with fluid therapy? (1 mark) ANS: (1/2 mark for each of 2 of following) prevent leakage; support blood pressure/ improve perfusion, normalise electrolytes, normalise acid-base 7. (The student is presented with a photograph of a wound) Study the photograph of this wound a) What would be the ideal lavage solution for this wound, give reason for your answer? (2 marks) ANSWER – sterile lactated Ringers solution or sterile saline at body temperature; sterile, isotonic (key words include sterile, isotonic; point removed if contains dextrose). b) What type of dressing would be most appropriate once wound cleansing had been carried out to aid healing? (1 mark) ANSWER – a non-adherent hydrocolloid dressing such as Allevyn® Page 3 of 3