VTNE Plan

Emergency Medicine and Critical Care: practice questions

2 original questions · 2 editor-approved · every choice explained.

Practice this topic

Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

Start practice
Emergency Medicine and Critical CareDifficulty 3/5

In which situation is inducing emesis contraindicated?

  1. AIngestion of a corrosive substance or in a patient with reduced consciousness
  2. BIngestion of a known toxic dose of grapes within the previous hour
  3. CIngestion of an over-the-counter medication in a stable, alert patient
  4. DRecent ingestion of a large quantity of chocolate in an alert dog
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. Corrosives cause further injury on the way back up, and a patient with reduced consciousness cannot protect the airway. Both are standard contraindications to emesis.

  • D — Chocolate in an alert dog is a common indication for emesis.
  • B — Recent grape ingestion in a stable patient is an indication.
  • C — An alert, stable patient with a recent ingestion may be a candidate.
Emergency Medicine and Critical CareDifficulty 3/5

A blocked male cat presents collapsed, bradycardic and hypothermic. What does this presentation indicate?

  1. ACompensated shock, which will improve once the obstruction is relieved
  2. BDecompensated shock with likely hyperkalaemia requiring stabilisation first
  3. CA vasovagal response to pain that resolves with analgesia alone
  4. DHypothermia from environmental exposure during transport to the clinic
Show answer and rationale

Correct: B. Cats decompensate with bradycardia and hypothermia rather than tachycardia. In urethral obstruction this pattern signals hyperkalaemia, and stabilisation precedes relieving the obstruction.

  • A — Bradycardia with collapse is decompensation, not compensation.
  • C — Attributing collapse to pain alone misses a life-threatening electrolyte problem.
  • D — Hypothermia here reflects shock rather than ambient temperature.

Primary references

  1. VTNE Candidate Information Handbook — American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22