Which of the following is a key component of a physical exam prior to anesthesia?

• A. Blood sampling
• B. Assessment of neurologic function
• C. Measurement of body temperature
• D. Reading the animal's history

Answer: (C)

Measurement of body temperature is a vital part of a physical exam prior to anesthesia. It provides crucial information about the animal's physiological state. Temperature can indicate underlying issues such as infections, inflammation, or other systemic conditions that could complicate anesthesia and surgery. Anomalies in body temperature can influence anesthetic drug selection and dosage, which is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the anesthesia process.

In contrast, while blood sampling can be important for assessing blood parameters, it is not always deemed essential as part of the initial physical exam in every case. Assessment of neurologic function, though valuable, is not a universal requirement, as not all procedures or patients will necessitate an evaluation of neurological status. Reading the animal's history provides context for the physical exam but does not directly assess the current physical health of the animal in the way that measuring body temperature does. Therefore, body temperature is a fundamental and immediate indicator of an animal's readiness for anesthesia.