Temperature, Pulse and Respiration Flashcards
Why should temperature, pulse and respiration be monitored?
for good husbandry
to get to know normal TPR ranges for individuals
veterinary nurses monitor TPR hourly
TPR is an important indication that an animal is well/unwell
How does a mammal increase their body temperature?
shivering
vaso-constriction
curling up
What is vaso-constriction?
where blood vessels narrow to reduce the amount of warm blood reaching the skin surface which slows down any radiation of heat from the skin into the environment
How does a mammal decrease their body temperature?
panting
drinking water
vaso-dilation
sweating
spreading out
What is vaso-dilation?
where blood vessels become wider to allow more warm blood to reach any skin surface that is in contact with the air so it can radiate heat into the environment
How can an animal’s body temperature be monitored?
body position
touch
behaviour
thermometer
What factors increase body temperature?
exercise
fever
infection
fear
excitement
weather
What factors decrease body temperature?
shock
haemorrhage
hypothermia
hibernation
before death
What are the four main arteries used to feel for a pulse?
the lingual artery
the femoral artery
the digital artery
the coccygeal artery
Where is the lingual artery located?
under the tongue
Where is the femoral artery located?
in the groin
Where is the digital artery located?
front of the hock
Where is the coccygeal artery located?
under the base of the tail
What artery is most commonly used to check for a pulse?
the femoral artery
What can increase an animal’s heart rate?
stress
excitement
exercise
pain
shock
