Question

A veterinary technician should consider an anesthetized animal recovered when the:

A. patient is conscious, has intact reflexes, and can maintain sternal recumbency without support.
B. swallowing reflex has returned and the patient has been extubated.
C. anesthetic (injectable or inhaled) administration is discontinued.
D. surgical procedure has been completed and the anesthetic has been shut off.

Answer 1

A veterinary technician should consider an anesthetized animal recovered when the patient is conscious, has intact reflexes, and can maintain sternal recumbency without support.

Step-by-step explanation:

A veterinary technician should consider an anesthetized animal recovered when the patient is conscious, has intact reflexes, and can maintain sternal recumbency without support. The recovery from anesthesia is marked by the return of consciousness and the ability of the animal to maintain normal positions and movements.

The swallowing reflex returning and extubation are important steps in the recovery process, but they do not solely indicate full recovery. Therefore, option B can be eliminated. Option C, discontinuing the anesthesia administration, does not ensure the animal's recovery as the effects of the anesthetics can still persist in the body. Option D, completion of the surgical procedure and shutting off the anesthetic, does not directly address the recovery status of the animal.