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?