ALAT Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals 4

Question 1

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of adequate anesthetic depth in a mouse?

Accepted Answer

Loss of pedal withdrawal reflex

Answer

Loss of the pedal withdrawal reflex (toe pinch) indicates surgical anesthetic depth in mice.

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of using a syringe pump for continuous rate infusion (CRI) of analgesics in laboratory animals?

Accepted Answer

It provides steady plasma drug concentrations

Answer

CRI via syringe pump maintains consistent plasma drug levels, avoiding peaks and troughs associated with bolus dosing.

Question 3

A rabbit under isoflurane anesthesia develops apnea. What is the FIRST action the technician should take?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the isoflurane concentration

Answer

Reducing isoflurane concentration addresses the likely cause (overdose) while maintaining anesthesia.

Question 4

Which opioid is most commonly used for post-operative analgesia in rodents due to its long duration of action?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Buprenorphine provides 6–12 hours of analgesia in rodents, making it the most practical choice for post-operative pain management.

Question 5

Which anesthetic agent used in laboratory animals is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine

Answer

Ketamine is a DEA Schedule III controlled substance, requiring specific record-keeping and storage requirements.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test