Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

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What is the recommended method for removing a tick from an animal?

Use a cloth to wipe it off
Use tweezers to grasp the head and pull straight out
Use soap and water to wash it off
Use a flame to burn it off

The correct answer is: Use tweezers to grasp the head and pull straight out

The recommended method for removing a tick from an animal is to use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. This approach is crucial because it helps ensure that the entire tick, including its head and mouth parts, is removed without leaving any fragments behind. Leaving parts of the tick embedded in the skin can increase the risk of infection and the transmission of tick-borne diseases. Using tweezers allows for precise control over the removal process, reducing the likelihood of squeezing the tick, which might release harmful pathogens into the animal's bloodstream. It's also essential to pull straight out instead of twisting or jerking, as this can also break the tick apart, making complete removal more challenging. In contrast, other methods such as using a cloth to wipe it off, washing it with soap and water, or trying to burn it off with a flame are either ineffective or dangerous. These alternatives do not facilitate the safe removal of the tick and may lead to complications or injury to the animal. Therefore, using tweezers is the safest and most effective method to remove a tick.