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VeterinarySmall Animal Physical Exam (SAM01)
Twenty flashcards on the SAM01 station: the order of the consult and the points of each block.
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20 cards
- The three Small Animal Medicine stations?
- Clinical evaluation (SAM01), medical management (SAM02) and clinical techniques (SAM03).
- Who plays the owner in SAM01?
- The examiner, presenting a dog or cat with a common condition.
- What must you bring to SAM01?
- Stethoscope, penlight, clean lab coat, pen and a watch with a second hand.
- Fatal flaw in SAM01?
- Putting the patient's health at risk by action or inaction: zero for the station, and the whole SAM section fails.
- First task in SAM01?
- Question the client to build a complete history of the patient.
- Points for history taking?
- 15, for drawing out a complete history accurately and efficiently.
- History items on the SAM recording form?
- Presenting complaint, present illness, past history (medical, surgical, trauma, vaccines), husbandry and systems review.
- How does the SAM01 physical exam start?
- With a look from a distance, including body condition.
- Physical exam points and what counts?
- 15: a systematic hands-on exam, proper handling and accurate vital signs.
- Reporting a finding that is not there?
- It costs points.
- Values recorded at the bottom of the exam form?
- Temperature, pulse, respiration, weight and temperament.
- After history and exam, what do you present?
- A problem list, differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, explained to the client.
- Points for integrating clinical information?
- 14: patient problems plus a rational list of differentials.
- Points for the diagnostic approach?
- 13: tests that are complete, efficient, in logical order and justified.
- Ordering tests the patient does not need?
- Points are deducted.
- Points for using test results?
- 18: interpret results, rule diagnoses in or out, and reach the most likely one.
- Points for the treatment plan?
- 15: treatment, follow-up, prevention and control, plus a prognosis.
- A good plan for differentials that miss the real diagnosis?
- Points are deducted.
- Points for communication?
- 10: clear explanations and good answers to the client's questions.
- Weight of SAM01 and pass mark for the section?
- SAM01 is 40 % of the section; 60 weighted points pass it.
Official sources
AVMA ECFVG and Canadian National Examining Board
Manual of Administration for the Clinical Proficiency Examination, 2025 Edition
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the AVMA, the ECFVG, the AAVSB, the ICVA, the Canadian National Examining Board or any state board. ECFVG, CPE, BCSE, PAVE and NAVLE are trademarks of their respective owners and are named only to describe the exams.