VTNE Laboratory Procedures 3

Question 1

What does the term 'left shift' mean on a CBC differential?

Accepted Answer

Increased immature neutrophils (bands) in circulation

Answer

A left shift refers to the presence of increased band neutrophils or earlier precursors in peripheral blood, indicating bone marrow release in response to increased demand.

Question 2

A fecal flotation using zinc sulfate solution is particularly useful for identifying:

Accepted Answer

Giardia cysts

Answer

Zinc sulfate flotation (specific gravity ~1.18) is the preferred method for recovering Giardia cysts because it preserves cyst morphology better than sodium nitrate or sucrose solutions.

Question 3

Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with urethral obstruction in cats?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Urethral obstruction causes post-renal azotemia and inability to excrete potassium, leading to life-threatening hyperkalemia that can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 4

When reading a microhematocrit tube after centrifugation, what layer is found between the packed red cells and the plasma?

Accepted Answer

Buffy coat

Answer

The buffy coat is a thin whitish layer between the packed RBCs and plasma that contains white blood cells and platelets.

Question 5

Which coagulation test evaluates the extrinsic and common pathways?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer

Prothrombin time (PT) evaluates the extrinsic (factor VII) and common (factors X, V, II, fibrinogen) pathways of coagulation.

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

VTNE Laboratory Procedures 3