Emergency & Critical Care Flashcards
What vital sign should we always monitor closely during surgery?
Blood pressure - >80 systolic is great!
Maintaining adequate blood pressure is crucial for proper organ perfusion during surgery.
Is a SpO2 reading below 95 acceptable?
No
A SpO2 reading below 95 indicates potential oxygenation issues.
How can we check if a low SpO2 reading is accurate?
CRT, gums, tongue - pink & moist?
Checking capillary refill time (CRT) and the color of the gums and tongue helps assess oxygenation status.
What are the 3 main reasons why an animal may be too deep under anesthesia?
- Anesthetic overdose
- Pre-existing problem
- Hypothermia
Recognizing these factors is essential to adjust anesthesia levels and ensure patient safety.
What is the first action to take when noticing something is wrong in the surgery suite?
Tell the vet!
Immediate communication is critical for patient safety.
What is the first step in the process of bagging a patient?
Close pop off valve all the way
This prevents air from escaping and allows for proper ventilation.
What should you monitor while bagging a patient?
Watch bag fill up
Ensuring adequate ventilation is essential for patient safety.
How should you squeeze the bag while bagging a patient?
Gently squeeze bag while watching the chest and manometer to ensure it does not go over 15-20 mmHg
Avoiding excessive pressure is crucial to prevent lung injury.
How often should you repeat the bagging process as needed?
Repeat every 5 seconds as needed
Regular ventilation helps maintain proper oxygen levels.
What must you remember to do at the end of the bagging process?
Open pop off valve
This allows for safe release of excess pressure and air.
Can neonate patients have the same dosage of injectable drugs as healthy adults?
No, they need ½ to 2/ 3 of the normal dose
Neonates have immature liver function affecting drug metabolism.
What is a key reason neonates require different dosages of injectable drugs?
They can’t metabolize drugs within the liver as it’s not fully mature
Liver immaturity in neonates affects their ability to process medications.
