Admission and Discharge Procedures Flashcards
List pre-operative instructions
- Feeding requirements including water
- Exercise
- Toilet recommendations
- Further pre-operative testing or services such as blood tests
What are the pre-operative instructions on feeding requirements in dogs and cats?
No food 6-12 hours before surgery but water up until they come
What are the pre-operative instructions on feeding requirements in puppies and kittens?
Shorter starvation period than adults, as they have a greater risk of hypoglycaemia and water up until they come
Why is starvation recommended before surgery?
- Can prevent reflux or vomiting during anaesthesia
- Prevent pressure onto the lungs
What can happen if reflux or vomiting occurs during anaesthesia?
Can lead to aspiration into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia or choking due to inhalation
What can happen is there is pressure on the lungs?
A full stomach putting pressure on the lungs can reduce an animal’s ability to uptake oxygen during anaethesia
Why can animals have water up until they come for surgery?
To reduce risks of dehydration
What is advised for owners to do with their cats the night before surgery?
Keep them indoors before admission to avoid hunting
What are the pre-operative instructions for feeding requirements in rabbits, guinea pigs and small mammals and why?
Must not be starved of food or water to prevent gut stasis
What age is a pre-anaesthetic blood test recommended to?
8 years and above
What does a pre-anaesthetic blood test do?
Measures the biochemistry and haemotology of the blood including the kidney and liver function as well as measuring the protein levels to check for an infection
What is peri-operative fluid therapy?
Fluid therapy which is often recommended for older animals or patients with known conditions during surgery to reduce anaesthesia risks and to provide additional hydration
What should the veterinary nurse do when admitting the patient for surgery?
- Gather key information from the owner about the animal
- Perform a physical examination
- Check contact details of the owner
- Clear identification of the animal and belongings
- Obtain informed consent
What key information should the Veterinary nurse gather when admitting the patient?
- Ask for changes about the patient’s health
- Reproductive status
- Confirm vaccines
- Inquire about drug allergies or reactions
- Confirm compliance with fasting instructions
Why do animals need to be weighed?
- Accurate doses of medication and anaesthetic drugs
- Body condition scoring
Why is it important to obtain contact information?
- In case of emergency
- If plans change
- If further discussion is needed
What should be discussed on the informed consent form?
- A range of reasonable treatment options discussed
- Fee estimates
- Main associated risks
- 18 years of age or above
How long does it take for the patient to recover from general anaesthesia?
24 hours
How long does is take for the patient to recover from sedation?
12-24 hours
Why does it take geriatric animals longer to recover from anaesthetic?
They have a slower metabolism rate
What are recovery times influenced by?
Health and age
List the signs patients may have before recovering from anaesthetic
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Inappetance
- Limited or reduced ability to defecate
- Reduced tolerance of beahviour
What are the feeding instructions for post-operative surgery?
- Offer bland diet (chicken and rice) in small quantities
- Normal feeding routine can return after 24 hours post anaesthesia
- Easy access to water
Describe toileting habits post-operative surgery
- No/limited bowel movement for 24-48 hours due to slow gut transit from starvation
- Urination should occur as normal
Describe exercise post-operative surgery
Sutures: 10-14 days no exercise
Bandages: specific requirements depending on patient
Implants or fracture repairs: may be up to 8-10 weeks
What sutures require removal?
Non-dissolvable suture such as Nylon and PDS
What sutures require no removal?
Dissolvable sutures such as Vicryl and Monocryl
What should be monitored on sutures?
- Inflammation
- Swelling or redness
- Pain
- Loss of function
- Changes in demeanor
- Patient interference
What should be used to prevent patient interference with wounds/surgical sites?
- Buster collar
- Bandage
What is common post intubation?
Sore throat and cough due to irritation of airway
What are the feeding requirements for rabbits and small mammal post-operative surgery?
- Should eat immediately following anaesthesia
- If patient does not eat within 12 hours, owners should contact the practice
What should toileting be like in rabbits and small animals post-operative surgery?
- Should pass within 12 hours
- If does not occur, client should contact the practice
Why should rabbits and small mammals be kept indoors 24 hours post-operative surgery?
They struggle to thermoregulate
