Title: Evaluate vital signs.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Performing Technical Functions

Evaluation should include

- identifying the vital signs that should be measured (i.e., temperature, pulse, respiration)
- explaining the significance of each vital sign
- selecting the appropriate devices for measuring vital signs
- following standard procedures for obtaining the vital signs
- recording data
- assessing vital signs for abnormalities.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Where is the best place to take the pulse of a dog? Of a cat?
- What is the normal heart rate of a small dog? Of a large dog? Of an adult cat?
- Why is it important to check vital signs before administering vaccines?
- How should small animal care workers respond to abnormal vital signs?
- How does stress affect vital signs?