Admitting Patients Flashcards
Reasons for admission?
return from referral/overnight care boarding surgical treatment - most likely medical treatment diagnostic investigations - likely monitoring first aid - slightly different with no warning
admission responsibilities?
ensure clear write information is provided about the practice
ensure client is made aware of any procedures and costs
ensure client is kept informed of patient progress
facilitate communication between VS and client to assist clients understanding
- note everything explained
recognise when when client should speak to a VS
support and ensure
initial steps for admission?
allocate a suitable time slot and area
ensure practice details are correct
ensure date is correct
ensure reason for admission is detailed clearly and in full
check reason with owner
- mention all procedures (eg anesthesia, x-ray, extras)
- as well as who will be involved (including any students monitoring)
discuss risks (up to death) and use of off-license medications when necessary
estimate must be noted nd confirmed
- read out and highlight
extra estimates?
list on form clearly and inform whoever hand over to
need consent - must be aware of extra costs
- pre-anesthetic blood tests - might be protocol
- fluids - might be protocol
- teeth rasped
- anal glands
- trim hooves
- clip nails
- clean ears
- apply flea/worm treatment
- clip matts
financial estimates?
must be given for any treatment to be caried out
- record and quoted prices
owners should be updated s necessary
- can quickly escalade
- if goes over estimate call for permission
- if verbal consent is given, two people are required to listen
confirming client detials?
check name, address and telephone number for that day
‘it is really important we get hold of you today”
“if we can’t get hold of you today, the vet will acct in the best interest of the animal and you will be liable for any necessary costs”
confirm if owner or agent
- if agent check owner has given authority
- need all of their details as won’t be on system
confirming animal details?
check name, species, breed, sex and neutering status, age and weight
check if insured and with who
if multiple animals, do not assume you know which is which
- label and confirm
check microchips, ID tag, freezemark and equine passports (if for consumption)
how to take a relevant history?
ask if anything has changed since last seen by the vet
- if yes, ask wat then get vet
ask any current medications and health conditions
- ask last dosage and time
ask vaccination history
- my need to perform barrier nursing
ask abut any preventative healthcare (eg flea/worm treatment)
- may need to give to stop outbreak
- ectoparasites upset stomach which will be worsened by anesthesia
ask about allergies
equine - check farrier details and passport
ask if had any decent vomiting and/or diarrhorea
- if yes, ask when
ask when last season was - neutering between seasons (3 months after in dogs)
if lump removal have owner show where
- my have multiple but only one/some being removed
checking normal feeding routine?
check when patient was last fed and watered
- need to starve certain hours before surgery
check normal diet
- for any allergies
- check owner preferences
checking normal routine?
check usual bedding for horses and exotics
- shavings, straw, paper?
check preferred cat litter
- may not got otherwise
check toileting places for dogs
- grass only? special commands?
check when patient last toileted
- go before placed in kennel
how to perform an examination?
look at overall body condition - look healthy and not emaciated
check vitals (TPR)
check for signs of ecto-/endoparasites
- if not treated may be protocol to give treatment to avoid outbreak
if surgery check for signs of pyoderma (skin disease) or skin irritation
take weight
evaluate and discuss temperament before allocating stable/kennel
temperament considerations?
always need to discuss before patient is place i a stable/kennel
equine considerations
- good to clip?
- good to lunge?
sa considerations usually muzzled? - been away from owner before? - good with other dogs/cats? - if more than one, to be kenneled together or apart? (only if absolutely happy - not common for cats/dogs)
to finish admission?
label all possessions
- create ID tag for dog collar, cat basket, rugs etc
discuss any payment policies
- practice dependent
gain client consent
advice on time to phone checking have correct practice details
- but better to agree vet calls when pet is awake
note down who has been involved in the admi
principles of obtaining valid consent?
all patients must have a consent form as is a legal document
written informed insurance - know costs and how paying form design - clear and easy to read - all additions in ink with yours and owners initials
informed consent?
can only be given once owner has been able to consider all options and ha the significance and risks explained to them
ensure owner understands everything
- do not assume
- if don’t, get vet
clients should be made aware if someone other than VS may be performing a task
obtaining consent is responsibility of VS but can be delegated other competent staff
