We have selected the following 5 questions to provide you with an idea of the type of questions that appear in the NAVLE. The answer key is at the end. These sample questions were chosen to represent the various species and content areas of the examination, but they do not address all of the NAVLE content areas as defined in the blueprint. As noted earlier, approximately 12% of the questions on each form of the NAVLE will include graphic or pictorial information. For printing purposes, the sample questions that follow only use black and white images, but some of the questions on the actual NAVLE will include color images as well.
It is also recommended that you download the computer formatted version of these sample test questions from this web site in order to get experience with the actual NAVLE computer-based format.
1. A 3-year-old Thoroughbred colt is evaluated because of a two-day history of nasal discharge and a decreased appetite. He is housed in a stable with 15 other 2- to 4-year-old horses; three other horses have similar signs. Rectal temperature is 104.9°F (40.5°C), pulse rate is 48 beats/min, and respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min. Physical examination shows moderate mucoid nasal discharge bilaterally. Mucous membranes are moist and pink. Capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. Submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged, warm, and painful on palpation. Thoracic and abdominal auscultation discloses no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation to give to the owner to minimize the spread of this disease to the other horses in the stable?
(A) Administer antimicrobial drugs to all horses prophylactically
(B) Administer a vaccine to all horses
(C) Initiate a mosquito control program on the property
(D) Isolate all horses who have a fever
(E) No action is indicated
2. A 5-year-old Congo African Grey parrot of unknown sex is evaluated because it has had three seizures during the past week. The bird is the only pet in the household and is fed a diet of seed and table food. Physical examination shows weakness and decreased grip strength in both feet. Plasma studies show:
|
|
Traditional |
SI |
|
Total calcium |
6 mg/dL (N 8-14) |
1.5 mmol/L (N 2-3.5) |
|
Creatine kinase (CK; CPK) |
1248 IU/L (N 45-265) |
1248 U/L (N 45-265) |
|
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) |
582 IU/L (N 130-350) |
582 U/L (N 130-350) |
Which of the following studies is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
(A) Measurement of plasma ionized calcium concentration
(B) Measurement of whole blood lead concentration
(C) Whole-body MRI
(D) Whole-body radiography
3. A second-lactation Holstein cow has a two-day history of anorexia and decreased production of milk one week after calving. The cow has a heart rate of 90 beats/min and is approximately 5% dehydrated. The abdomen is distended on the right side when viewed from behind. A "ping" is heard with simultaneous auscultation and percussion of the right side extending from the middle of the paralumbar fossa to the ninth rib. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
(A) Abomasal volvulus
(B) Cecal distention
(C) Dilated small intestine
(D) Gas in the uterus
(E) Pneumoperitoneum
4. An 8-year-old spayed female Chihuahua dog is evaluated because of a six-month history of cough. The client reports that the dog’s tongue occasionally turns blue during a coughing episode. Body condition score is 8/9. Heart rate is 150 beats/min and respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min. Palpation of the trachea elicits a dry, honking cough with a gag noted at the end of the coughing episode. Thoracic auscultation discloses mildly increased bronchovesicular sounds. A lateral radiograph is shown. Treatment with prednisone, theophylline, and hydrocodone fails to improve the clinical signs. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
(A) Arytenoid lateralization
(B) Intraluminal stenting
(C) Oral administration of pimobendan
(D) Parenteral administration of furosemide
(E) Sublingual administration of nitroglycerin
5. An 18-month-old female domestic shorthaired cat is being evaluated to determine whether she is pregnant. The client reports that the cat was bred 50 days ago. Rectal temperature is 104.0°F (40.0°C). On physical examination, an enlarged uterus is palpated and a small amount of yellowish discharge is observed on the vulva. Abdominal radiographs show enlarged uterine horns but no fetal skeletons. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
(A) Endometrial hyperplasia
(B) Pregnancy
(C) Pseudopregnancy
(D) Pyometra
(E) Uterine subinvolution
Answer Key for Sample Questions
1. D
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. D