Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

Re: Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

hayleyw — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:29:27 GMT

Just in addition to what everyone else has already said.. just remember if you make a mistake to tell them what you did and what you would do about it in practice. Don't hope they won't have noticed! I broke sterility of my gown in one of mine but because I told them and asked for a new sterile one, I still passed. Good luck! :)

Re: Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

Tracey Louise — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:43:32 GMT

Agree with phrin on all points.

Do not dip a dipstick in your exam, you would more than likely fail that task straight away for that exact reason. Use a pipette and add one drop of urine quickly on each test then start the timer.

Good luck, I hated doing my practicals x

Re: Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

Sophie — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:15:50 GMT

Thankyou guys, really helpful!

Re: Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:05:17 GMT

I didn't get the dipstick task, but I like to put the urine onto the dipstick with a syringe to prevent any potential contamination of adjacent pads. Did this in my mocks with an RCVS examiner and was fine. I'd start the timer when you finish, but be quick covering all the pads!

PCV - I did get this task - always bung the end with blood, or as selena says, blood will come out the other end. Plus you will be inserting a layer of air into the tube which may affect results.

Fluids - Practice, practice and practice at inserting the giving set whilst the bag is hung on a drip stand... yes I know MUCH more difficult than the way we all do it in real life, but the way it has to be done for the pracs. Again in my mocks I had a situation where fluid came out, and still passed as examiner said my technique was correct

Ditto Selena - explain to them what and why you are doing things, even if you screw up, and if gloves are available - wear them!

Good luck!

Re: Practicals! (Lil things that could make you fail?)

Selena Carnell — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:42:45 GMT

Once you have dipped start timer as soon as the Dip stick comes out i would have thought. I always bunged the end with the blood, if you bung the other end, blood will come out as you insert that plasticine stuff. Only small amount of fluid comes out, just be extra gentle and twist the giving set in with out pushing on the bag and hold the bag upside down.other wise it will fill the tubing and you'll end up with it on the floor before you know it! Make sure you keep the ends sterile two... Wear glove for anything, or if you forget tell them what you should have done. Good luck