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. The combining form 'nephr/o' refers to which anatomical structure? → Kidney
2. Which laboratory value is most useful for evaluating kidney function in veterinary patients? → BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine
3. A urine sediment examined microscopically reveals waxy casts. What does this finding suggest about the duration of renal tubular disease? → Chronic, long-standing tubular disease
4. What does 'PRN' mean on a veterinary prescription label? → As needed
5. Which anticoagulant is used in a purple-top (EDTA) tube and works by chelating calcium? → EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
6. What is the meaning of 'bioavailability' in pharmacology? → The fraction of administered drug that reaches systemic circulation
7. What is the recommended chest compression-to-ventilation ratio for basic CPR in a small dog or cat, according to current RECOVER guidelines? → 30:2
8. What is the medical term for surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries (spaying)? → Ovariohysterectomy
9. What is the correct way to handle a phone call when you must place a client on hold? → Ask permission before placing them on hold and give an estimated wait time
10. What does the suffix '-itis' indicate when added to a medical term? → Inflammation
11. What is the minimum recommended air exchange rate per hour for a veterinary isolation ward? → 10-15 exchanges per hour
12. Why is client education important in veterinary practice? → To improve pet care and recovery through client involvement.
13. When scheduling appointments, which type of case should generally be given priority over routine wellness visits? → Acute illness or injury cases
14. When placing a right lateral radiograph marker on a patient, which identifier should be used? → R marker, placed on the right side of the image
15. Which of the following describes the correct technique for carrying a small dog? → Support the chest with one hand and the hindquarters with the other
16. A body condition score (BCS) of 5 out of 9 in a dog indicates: → Ideal body weight
17. Which condition in dogs is directly associated with feeding a low-protein diet during the growth phase? → Stunted growth and muscle wasting
18. A client asks you to diagnose their pet's condition over the phone. You should: → Politely explain that diagnosis requires a physical examination by the veterinarian
19. A patient's capillary refill time (CRT) is measured at 3 seconds. This finding suggests: → Compromised peripheral perfusion
20. Before obtaining radiographs of a female dog, what information should always be confirmed first? → Whether the dog could be pregnant
21. What is the purpose of covering a bird's head with a small towel during restraint? → To reduce visual stimuli and calm the bird
22. What is the purpose of an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) placed on a post-surgical patient? → Prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site
23. What does a positive result on a urinary sediment examination indicating the presence of rod-shaped bacteria suggest? → Gram-negative bacterial urinary tract infection
24. The term 'hematuria' means: → Blood in urine
25. 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
26. When scheduling appointments, which patient should generally receive priority scheduling? → A cat with a laceration that is actively bleeding
27. When a client is grieving the loss of a pet, the most appropriate response is to: → Offer sincere condolences and listen empathetically
28. What is the primary role of a veterinary nurse in animal care? → Administering medication and providing surgical assistance.
29. What does the guaranteed analysis on a pet food label legally require manufacturers to list? → Minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, and maximum moisture
30. During a post-operative check, you notice the patient's surgical incision has green discharge and a foul odor. What should you do? → Document and immediately notify the veterinarian