Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

True or False: Respiration and heart rate in the mouse can be easily measured by observing the chest.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in adult mice

4. Only with special equipment

The correct answer is: False

The assertion that respiration and heart rate in the mouse can be easily measured just by observing the chest is false. While it is possible to observe the movement of the chest to estimate respiratory rate in mice, this method does not provide precise or reliable measurements, especially in smaller animals like mice where movements can be subtle and rapid. Observing the chest does not allow for accurate observation of heart rate since heartbeats are not visibly distinguishable from external observations in most cases. To accurately measure these vital signs, more sophisticated techniques or equipment are often required, such as using a Doppler monitor for heart rate or specialized tools to assess respiration more accurately. These methods provide clear and quantifiable data, ensuring that the readings are reliable and useful for monitoring the health of the animal. Therefore, the correct answer is that it is not feasible to accurately measure respiration and heart rate in mice simply by observing the chest.