ASAN002 - Medical Nursing Flashcards
What is the primary objective of the ASAN002 course?
To demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and ability to perform medical procedures and implement specific patient care in a veterinary setting.
What percentage of body weight in adult animals is composed of water?
On average, 60% of an adult animal’s body weight is water.
Why should fluid therapy plans for obese patients consider ideal weight rather than current weight?
Because fatty tissue contains less water, which helps avoid overhydration in fluid therapy.
What are the two main categories of body water distribution?
Intracellular fluid (ICF), within cells, and extracellular fluid (ECF), outside cells.
What is considered a normal daily water balance for dogs and cats?
Typically, 50 ml per kg of body weight per day, ranging from 40-60.
What are the main causes of abnormal fluid loss in animals?
Vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, anorexia, evaporation (from panting), disease, and surgical procedures.
What are the primary goals of fluid therapy?
To replace lost fluid and electrolytes and to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance when intake is inadequate.
What are the five questions to consider when creating a fluid therapy plan?
Is fluid therapy indicated? How much fluid should be given? At what rate? By what route? What type of fluid should be given?
What clinical signs can indicate dehydration in a patient?
Tacky mucous membranes, delayed skin tenting, sunken eyes, and cold extremities.
How is dehydration level often assessed in a veterinary setting?
By patient history, physical examination, and laboratory analysis.
What does an increased packed cell volume (PCV) indicate in dehydration assessment?
It suggests fluid deficit, as higher PCV levels correspond to fluid loss.
What is the ‘rule of thumb’ formula for rehydrating a dehydrated animal?
Multiply the body weight in kg by the percentage dehydration, then by 10 to get the missing volume in milliliters.
What types of fluids are generally used for maintenance fluid therapy?
Hypotonic fluids, such as 0.45% NaCl + 2.5% dextrose or Plasmalyte 56.
What are the two main types of crystalloids?
Replacement fluids and maintenance fluids.
What is the main use of hypertonic crystalloids in fluid therapy?
To rapidly expand blood volume, especially beneficial in treating hypovolemic and hemorrhagic shock.
What are colloids, and when are they typically used?
Colloids contain large molecules that stay in the bloodstream to draw fluid into vessels; they are used for hypovolemic shock and hypoproteinemia.
What is the primary function of a syringe pump in veterinary medicine?
To administer small or precise fluid volumes at a constant rate, especially for small patients.
Why are labels essential on fluid bags used for IV administration?
They indicate the date, time, initials, and additive concentrations, ensuring that all nursing personnel are informed.
What are the potential side effects of Voluven, a synthetic colloid?
Minor allergic reactions, increased bleeding time, and, rarely, severe anaphylactic reactions.
What is Mannitol, and when is it typically used in fluid therapy?
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral or intraocular pressure and treat kidney-related urine output issues.
What is the preferred route for administering fluids to severely dehydrated patients?
Intravenous administration, as it allows rapid absorption and can accommodate various fluid types.
In what cases might intraosseous fluid administration be preferred?
In cases where venous access is challenging, such as with neonates or patients with collapsed circulation.
What types of catheters are typically used for short-term or less mobile patients?
Winged or butterfly catheters.
Which type of catheter is commonly used for peripheral veins in veterinary patients?
Over-the-needle catheters.
What is the primary reason for using multi-lumen catheters?
To allow simultaneous administration of multiple medications or fluids in critical care settings.
Why should central or jugular lines be considered for long-term intravenous access?
They allow for consistent access, multiple lumens if needed, and are often less irritating for the patient.
What is one potential complication of intravenous catheter use?
Phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vessel wall.
What is the primary purpose of a blood transfusion in veterinary patients?
To increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to a decrease in circulating red blood cells.
What is acute anemia, and what are its primary causes?
Acute anemia is a sudden drop in red blood cells, often caused by severe hemorrhage due to trauma or conditions like a ruptured hemangiosarcoma.
How does chronic anemia differ from acute anemia?
Chronic anemia develops slowly over time, allowing the patient to compensate and often showing less severe clinical signs than acute anemia.
What is regenerative anemia?
Regenerative anemia occurs when the body is still producing red blood cells, but they are being lost or destroyed faster than they are replaced.
What is non-regenerative anemia, and what are two broad causes?
Non-regenerative anemia is when red blood cell production is severely reduced due to extra-bone marrow disease (e.g., renal failure) or intra-bone marrow disease (e.g., leukemia).
What is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)?
IMHA is a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s own red blood cells.
What role does the von Willebrand factor play in blood clotting?
It is essential for normal platelet adhesion, helping to form blood clots.
What are the main types of blood and blood products used in veterinary transfusions?
Fresh whole blood, stored whole blood, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, frozen plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and cryoprecipitate.
What is the ideal storage condition for fresh frozen plasma?
It should be stored at -20 to -30°C and is viable for up to one year.
What conditions is cryoprecipitate primarily used to treat?
Cryoprecipitate is used to treat von Willebrand’s disease as it contains von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and factor VIII.
What are the criteria for selecting a canine blood donor?
Ideal canine donors should weigh over 25 kg, have a PCV greater than 40%, be up-to-date with vaccinations, and have no recent medications or health issues.
