CVA - Certified Veterinary Assistant Veterinary Pharmacology Basics Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A veterinarian writes a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication to be given "PRN for thunderstorms." How should the CVA explain these instructions to the pet owner?
- Give the medication once a day, every day, during thunderstorm season.
- Give the medication every 12 hours on days when storms are forecast.
- Give the medication as needed specifically when there are thunderstorms. (Correct answer)
- Give the medication by mouth thirty minutes before every meal.
Correct answer: Give the medication as needed specifically when there are thunderstorms.
The Latin abbreviation 'PRN' stands for 'pro re nata,' which translates to 'as the occasion arises' or 'as needed'. In this context, it means the medication should only be administered when the specific trigger (thunderstorms) is present.
Question 2: Which of the following routes of drug administration typically has the fastest onset of action, making it ideal for emergencies?
- Subcutaneous (SQ)
- Oral (PO)
- Topical
- Intravenous (IV) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intravenous (IV)
The intravenous (IV) route delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption barriers and allowing for immediate circulation and the most rapid possible therapeutic effect.
Question 3: A veterinarian prescribes meloxicam for a dog with arthritis. This medication belongs to which class of drugs?
- Antibiotic
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Correct answer)
- Antiparasitic
- Antifungal
Correct answer: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Meloxicam (brand name Metacam) is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces the pain, inflammation, and fever associated with conditions like osteoarthritis in dogs.
Question 4: When dispensing a controlled substance, such as a potent opioid analgesic, what is a critical legal requirement that must be meticulously documented?
- The time of day the prescription was filled.
- A detailed, running log of the date, client, patient, and exact quantity dispensed. (Correct answer)
- The pet's color and breed.
- The name of the CVA who counted the pills.
Correct answer: A detailed, running log of the date, client, patient, and exact quantity dispensed.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requires that a precise, continually updated log be kept for all controlled substances. This log must accurately track every dose dispensed or administered, including the date, client/patient information, and the running balance to prevent illegal diversion.
Question 5: A client calls the clinic stating their dog, who just started a new medication, is now lethargic and has a decreased appetite. What is the most appropriate action for the CVA to take?
- Advise the owner to stop the medication and document the conversation for the veterinarian to review. (Correct answer)
- Tell the owner to give the dog half of the prescribed dose next time.
- Reassure the client that these are normal side effects and to continue the medication.
- Suggest giving the dog an over-the-counter antacid to help with its stomach.
Correct answer: Advise the owner to stop the medication and document the conversation for the veterinarian to review.
Lethargy and inappetence are potential signs of an adverse drug reaction. The CVA's role is not to diagnose or alter treatment but to safely gather information for the veterinarian. The standard and safest protocol is to advise the owner to pause the medication and to immediately inform the veterinarian so they can assess the situation and provide further instruction.
Question 6: Why is it crucial for veterinary staff to wear gloves when handling certain topical medications, such as some chemotherapy drugs or hormonal creams?
- To prevent the medication from staining their hands.
- To avoid accidental absorption of the drug through their skin, which could be harmful. (Correct answer)
- To keep the medication from getting too warm from body heat.
- To ensure the medication remains sterile before application.
Correct answer: To avoid accidental absorption of the drug through their skin, which could be harmful.
Many topical medications are designed to be absorbed through the skin (transdermal absorption). If handled without gloves, these drugs can be absorbed into the handler's bloodstream, potentially causing toxic, hormonal, or other unintended and harmful effects on the person.
CVA - Certified Veterinary Assistant Veterinary Pharmacology Basics Questions and Answers
A veterinarian writes a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication to be given "PRN for thunderstorms." How should the CVA explain these instructions to the pet owner?