First Aid & Wound Management 2 Flashcards
What are catheters for?
- catheters allow venous access for:
- fluid therapy
- pain medications
- emergency drugs
- induction of anaesthesia - all patients presented for an emergency must have a catheter placed
What are some emergency situations where an endotracheal tube is required?
- status epilepticus (seizure lasting more than 5 minutes)
- airway obstruction
- distressed patients (require sedation/anaesthetisation)
- collapsed
Describe how to place an endotracheal tube.
- choose the ET tube of appropriate size
- inflate the cuff
- lubricate the end of the ET tube with local anaesthetic gel
- intubation is performed on a patient under general anaesthesia with Intravenous catheter placed and in lateral/sternal recumbency
- assistant holds the maxilla
- tongue is caught by gauze compress and pulled out of oral cavity
- head is bent backward to allow better visualisation of airway
- laryngoscope is inserted into oral cavity
- when laryngeal entrance is opened, ET tube is inserted
- secure tube by non-elastic bandage around mandibular
- check the position, compress thorax and check the air flow
- inflate the cuff
What are immediate treatments for haemorrhage (bleeding)?
- direct pressure: pressure bandages (preferable); digital pressure; additional layer of bandage can be applied if required
- tourniquet (only on distal limbs): applied above the wound; very temporary option only
What must you remember about pressure bandages?
- must be removed
- if left for too long, can cut of blood circulation
What is a seizure?
- a seizure is a sudden, involuntary electrical disturbance in the brain that causes changes in the behaviour, movements and consciousness of an animal
- a classic seizure is known as a grand mal seizure
What are some characteristics of a grand mal seizure?
- loss of consciousness
- violent bodily movements
- typically lasts up to a minute
What is the role of a veterinary nurse in treatment of a patient with seizures?
- ensure the patient has soft blankets/towels
- is free of any obstruction that may cause physical injury
- call the vet
What are some treatments for seizures?
- vet may administer anti-seizure drugs (e.g. diazepam)
- IV catheter
- sedation + maybe intubation (if required)
- ongoing monitoring
- intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT)
How to diagnose cyanosis and what are the treatments for cyanosis?
- the presence of blue/purple mucous membranes (except for in chowchows)
- patients with cyanotic membrane have a severe lack of oxygen
(- can be due to heart/lung disease or obstruction of airway) - requires oxygen support immediately (intubation, by mask, flow by)
- Treatment: oxygen support, IV catheter, spO2 (oxygen level) monitoring, primary cause needs to be treated
A patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest if…
- they are not breathing
- they are non-responsive
What is the treatment for cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA)?
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
What is heat stroke?
- most serious form of heat injury (mild heat injury: heat stress)
- caused by the body overheating
- usually a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures
- potentially fatal
What are some risk factors of heat stroke?
- brachycephalic breeds
- overweight
- large and giant breeds
- thick hair coat
- poor husbandry (unable to escape the heat)
- pre-existing medical conditions (heart disease, dehydration)
What are the clinical signs of heat stroke?
- increased resting respiratory rate
- increated heart rate
- excessive drooling and panting
- reddened gums
- agitation
- increased cor temperature (>39.3°C)
If severe:
- refusing to lay down or get up
- seizures
- unresponsive
