CVA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CVA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the medical term for surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries (spaying)? → Ovariohysterectomy
2. What is the minimum recommended air exchange rate per hour for a veterinary isolation ward? → 10-15 exchanges per hour
3. Why is client education important in veterinary practice? → To improve pet care and recovery through client involvement.
4. A body condition score (BCS) of 5 out of 9 in a dog indicates: → Ideal body weight
5. Which pest control measure is most important for preventing rodent contamination in veterinary food storage? → Sealing all food in airtight containers elevated off the floor
6. What is the primary role of a veterinary nurse in animal care? → Administering medication and providing surgical assistance.
7. When dispensing a controlled substance, such as a potent opioid analgesic, what is a critical legal requirement that must be meticulously documented? → A detailed, running log of the date, client, patient, and exact quantity dispensed.
8. Which of the following surgical instruments is specifically designed for cutting tough, heavy tissues like fascia? → Mayo scissors
9. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely in a cat fed a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet without supplementation? → Arachidonic acid and taurine deficiency
10. Which of the following is a critical component of maintaining accurate and legally sound veterinary medical records? → Ensuring every entry is dated and initialed by the responsible staff member.
11. How does a veterinary nurse assist with laboratory tests? → Collecting samples, preparing tests, and assisting in analyzing results.
12. Which of the following actions is a violation of client and patient confidentiality in a veterinary setting? → Discussing a patient's interesting case with a friend who does not work at the clinic.
13. Which chemical restraint provides sedation and pain relief but does NOT cause general anesthesia at standard doses? → Alpha-2 agonists combined with opioids
14. What are the four components of a SOAP note? → Subjective findings, Objective findings, Assessment, and Plan
15. Which controlled substance schedule includes morphine and fentanyl? → Schedule II
16. What is the function of the digestive system in animals? → Processes food and eliminates waste.
17. When administering a subcutaneous (SQ) injection to a cat, which anatomical location is most commonly used for patient comfort and safety? → The loose skin between the shoulder blades
18. What is the required minimum contact time for most hospital-grade disinfectants? → 10 minutes
19. When reading a pet food ingredient list, ingredients are listed in what order? → By descending weight before processing
20. Why is clear communication important in client relations? → To ensure clients understand treatment plans and provide informed consent.
21. What is the maximum recommended duration for scruffing a cat during a procedure? → No more than 30 seconds at a time
22. Why must a urinalysis sample be analyzed within 30 minutes of collection? → Crystals may form artificially, bacteria multiply, and cells degrade
23. Which restraint device is most appropriate for a rabbit that needs abdominal radiographs? → Plexiglass restraint box or V-trough
24. What organ systems does a serum chemistry panel evaluate? → Liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes, glucose, and proteins to assess organ function
25. What is the correct route for subcutaneous injections in a cat? → Into loose skin over the scruff or lateral thorax at 45 degrees with a 22-25 gauge needle
26. What is the term used for the heart in veterinary medical terminology? → Cardio
27. What is the normal respiratory rate range for a healthy adult cat at rest? → 15-30 breaths per minute
28. What is the term for the voice box in veterinary terminology? → Larynx
29. Which life stage typically has the highest caloric energy requirement per unit of body weight? → Growing puppies and kittens
30. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a dog diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD)? → Restricted phosphorus and high-quality moderate protein diet