CVA Laboratory Techniques & Diagnostic Procedures 5

Question 1

Which of the following is a common zoonotic parasite that can be detected on fecal examination in veterinary patients?

Accepted Answer

Toxocara canis (roundworm)

Answer

Toxocara canis eggs shed in dog feces can infect humans, causing visceral or ocular larva migrans, making it an important zoonotic concern.

Question 2

What is the significance of finding white blood cell casts in urine sediment?

Accepted Answer

Indicates active pyelonephritis (kidney infection)

Answer

WBC casts form in the renal tubules and indicate inflammation or infection within the kidney itself (pyelonephritis), not just the lower urinary tract.

Question 3

When using an in-house chemistry analyzer, a hemolyzed sample may falsely affect which value?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+), causing a falsely elevated result

Answer

Red blood cells contain high concentrations of potassium; hemolysis releases intracellular K+ into the sample, falsely elevating the measured potassium level.

Question 4

A Schirmer tear test (STT) result of 6 mm/min in a dog is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)

Answer

Normal STT values in dogs are ≥15 mm/min; a result of 6 mm/min indicates severely reduced tear production consistent with dry eye (KCS).

Question 5

Which technique is used to detect external parasites such as Sarcoptes scabiei mites?

Accepted Answer

Superficial skin scraping

Answer

Superficial skin scrapings over large areas of skin are used to detect Sarcoptes mites, which live in the superficial layers of the epidermis.

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterinary Assistant Practice Test

CVA Laboratory Techniques & Diagnostic Procedures 5