Title: Demonstrate measuring and evaluating all vital signs.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Performing Clinical Exams

Demonstration should include following standard procedures and

- using required PPE
- identifying vital signs to be measured and their significance (i.e., temperature, pulse, respiration)
- selecting diagnostic tools (e.g., stethoscope, thermometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, microscope)
- recording measurements and comparing them to normal values
- assessing vital signs for abnormalities
- describing how to evaluate mucous membranes and capillary refill time (CRT).

Demonstration should also include weighing and measuring an animal.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How would an assistant choose the appropriate scale to weigh an animal?
- What are the standard units of mass (weight) used on typical scales?
- What are the proper uses of diagnostic tools (e.g., stethoscope, thermometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, microscope)?
- What are the parts of the stethoscope and their functions?
- Why is an otoscope used?
- What are the normal values of TPR in common species? Why is it essential to document any abnormalities in an animal’s vital signs?
- Why is it important to measure and record an animal’s TPR accurately prior to physical exams?
- What is the purpose of measuring CRT?