Elevating the RVT voice in client education: How RVTs can lead the…

Presented by Kathleen Dunbar, MSW, RSW, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice - Canine/Feline)

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

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Questions

1. How can understanding mirror neurons help an RVT support a veterinary client effectively? *

By allowing the RVT to physically mimic the client’s actions exactly

By helping the RVT sense and respond to the client’s emotions through body language and tone

By allowing the RVT ignore the client’s emotional state and focus solely on technical duties

By encouraging the client to avoid showing emotions during appointments

2. GIVE helps RVTs maintain healthy relationships with clients. What does GIVE stand for? *

Gentle, Interested, Validating, Easy manner

Genuine, Insightful, Verbal, Empathetic

Guide, Inform, Validate, Encourage

Grateful, Involved, Versatile, Engaged

3. In veterinary care, the principle of “meeting clients where they are rather than where you expect them to be” means: *

Expect clients to understand medical terminology and procedures fully

Focus primarily on the pet’s needs and assume the client will follow instructions

Adjust your communication and support based on the client’s current knowledge, emotions, and readiness

Limit explanations to only what you think the client should know

4. When explaining information to clients, which of the following phrases best demonstrates clear and client-friendly communication for an RVT? *

“The takeaway here is…”

“In your pet’s case, this means…”

“In simple terms, that means…”

All of the above

5. In veterinary communication, what is an anchor statement? *

A detailed medical explanation using technical terms to establish authority

A short, grounding phrase that reassures clients by focusing on what matters most for their pet’s care

A scripted response used only for delivering bad news to clients

A summary of clinic policies and procedures shared at the start of every appointment

6. As an RVT, why is it important to normalize a client’s emotions when discussing their pet’s health or end-of-life care? *

It helps the client feel understood, reduces shame, and supports healthy coping

It allows the RVT to avoid difficult conversations about treatment options

It ensures the client will follow instructions without question

It discourages the client from expressing emotions openly

7. What is the primary purpose of the teach-back method in veterinary client communication? *

To test the client’s memory and knowledge

To encourage clients to write everything down

To shorten appointment times

To check whether the RVT explained the instructions clearly

8. Which of the following practices best demonstrates accessible communication between an RVT and a veterinary client? *

Using complex medical terms to sound professional and ensure accuracy

Speaking quickly to cover all information, even if the client seems confused

Using clear language, avoiding jargon, and supplementing explanations with tools like whiteboards or diagrams

Expecting the client to research unfamiliar terms on their own

9. Which of the following best describes a communication skill important for RVTs? *

A natural talent that cannot be developed, like confidence

An ability that can be developed and improved, such as confidence or active listening

Something you are born with and cannot change

A habit that has no impact on client interactions

10. A client is visibly overwhelmed after hearing their pet’s diagnosis. As an RVT, which response BEST demonstrates communication that is accessible, understandable, and compassionate? *

Simplify medical terms, pause to acknowledge the client’s feelings, and then ask them to repeat back what they understood to check for clarity

Give the client space by providing all written instructions and encouraging them to call later with questions

Reassure the client by saying, “I understand this is hard” and then quickly review the treatment steps

Continue using precise medical terminology to avoid misrepresenting the veterinarian’s explanation