8. Post-operative care

Question 1

What are the ideal qualities of a recovery room?

Answer 1

Should be separate to the operating theatre and the size should reflect both the number and type of patients seen.

For horses the area must be padded

temperature should be kept at 23-25 degrees

Question 2

Which equipment should be readily available?

Answer 2

• fully equipped anaesthetic machine
• oxygen flowmeters
• induction equipment
• warming/cooling equipment
• portable suction apparatus

Question 3

When should extubation happen?

Answer 3

Once signs of return of the swallowing reflex is apparent- in cats it is ideal to remove earlier as they have a high risk of spasm and damage

Question 4

How should we position patients after extubation?

Answer 4

Gently extend the neck and the tongue drawn forward to open up airways

Question 5

What is important for us to monitor post-surgery?

Answer 5

• Airways (obstruction)
• Breathing and gas exchange (hypoxaemia)
• circulation (Hypotension/arrhythmias)
• Level of consciousness
• body temp
• pain management
• patient comfort