Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Equine Veterinary Nursing Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult horse?
• 20-40 bpm
• 28-44 bpm
• 28-40 bpm
• 40-60 bpm

Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adult horses is generally

28–40 beats per minute.

• Which of the following vaccines is recommended annually for all

horses?

• Equine Influenza 1 / 4

• Tetanus
• West Nile Virus
• Rabies

Rationale: Tetanus vaccination is recommended annually for all

horses due to the high risk of tetanus from wounds.

• What is the first step in basic equine physical examination?
• Auscultate lungs
• Palpate limbs
• Observe the horse from a distance
• Measure temperature

Rationale: Observing the horse from a distance allows the nurse to

assess posture, gait, and general demeanor before handling.

• Which of the following signs is most indicative of colic in a horse?
• Coughing
• Pawing or rolling
• Excessive sweating from exercise
• Tail swishing

Rationale: Pawing, rolling, or looking at the flank are classic signs of

colic.

5. Normal respiratory rate for an adult horse at rest is:

• 4–8 breaths/min
• 8–12 breaths/min
• 8–16 breaths/min 2 / 4

• 16–20 breaths/min

Rationale: Adult horses at rest typically have a respiratory rate of 8–

16 breaths per minute.

• When performing a nasogastric intubation, which structure must the

tube pass?

• Larynx
• Nasopharynx
• Trachea
• Esophagus

Rationale: The nasogastric tube passes through the nasopharynx into

the esophagus; care must be taken to avoid the trachea.

• Which type of bandage is typically used for distal limb wounds in

horses?

• Robert Jones bandage
• Standard distal limb bandage
• Compression bandage for abdomen
• Chest bandage

Rationale: Standard distal limb bandages are commonly used to

support and protect wounds on lower limbs.

• What is the most common site for intramuscular injection in horses?
• Neck trapezius
• Neck (cervical muscles)
• Gluteal muscles 3 / 4

• Semitendinosus

Rationale: The cervical muscles are the preferred site for

intramuscular injections due to accessibility and lower risk of nerve injury.

• Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause muscle tremors in

horses?

• Hypernatremia
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypocalcemia
• Hypermagnesemia

Rationale: Low calcium (hypocalcemia) can lead to muscle tremors,

stiffness, and tetany in horses.

• Laminitis primarily affects which part of the horse?
• Hock
• Stifle
• Hoof
• Fetlock

Rationale: Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae within the hoof,

causing pain and lameness.

• Which of the following is a common cause of colic in horses?
• Viral infection
• Parasites only
• Impaction of the intestine
• / 4