What risk increases due to stress in patients during veterinary procedures?

The risk that increases due to stress in patients during veterinary procedures is associated with veterinary team injury. When animals are stressed, they may exhibit unpredictable behavior, which can lead to defensive reactions such as biting or scratching. This unpredictability can put the veterinary team at an increased risk of injury as they handle or restrain the animal during examinations or treatments. Understanding how stress impacts an animal's behavior is crucial for veterinary teams to implement safer handling techniques and take appropriate precautions, ultimately enhancing the safety of both the animal and the personnel involved in the procedure.

Though stress can also contribute to other issues, such as delayed recovery or injury from excessive handling and equipment, the most immediate and direct risk in this scenario is the potential for injury to the veterinary team due to the animal's response to stress.