Medication Administration Flashcards
What kind of syringe are oral medications typically administered in for equines?
60cc with the top cut off
What can oral medications be mixed with to increased palatability?
Molasses, corn syrup, apple sauce, peanut butter
Are oral medications given in feed to horses?
They can be but typically aren’t
Why are equine oral medications not typically given in feed?
The horse will either not at it at all or will not get all of it
When should equine oral medications be given in feed?
If horse is mouth/head shy or aggressive
T/F: Balling guns can be used in equine patients.
False- typically cause trauma
What is the typical needle size for administering IV injections in equine patients?
18g x 1.5”
What is the minimum size for IV injections in equines?
19g x 1.5”
T/F: The needle should never be seeded all the way to the hub for IV injections/
False- needle should always be seeded to the hub
What infection is risked if needles are touched/contaminated?
Clostridium infections
Can IV injections be given pointed either toward the heart or toward the head?
Yes, either is appropriate
What is the advantage of using an eccentric luer slip tip?
Less movement of the needle within the vessel
What kind of syringe tip is typically used for IV injections in equines?
Luer slip tip
To avoid the carotid artery, is it better to go closer to the head or to the shoulder?
Closer to the head
What is the advantage to positioning the needle pointing towards the head?
Passive flow back ensures you’re in the correct vessel
What is the advantage to positioning the the needle pointing towards the heart?
If there is flowback when the vessel is open, indication that the needle is in the carotid.
Flowback should only happen when vessel is occluded
T/F: If you only are able to aspirate blood when the vessel is distended, you should inject with the vessel is distended.
True
T/F: In IV injections, the needle is placed prior to attaching the syringe.
True
What is a clinical sign associated with intracarotid injection?
Seizures, death, fasciculations
What is the typical needle size used in IM injections in equines?
18/19/20g x 1.5”
What is the smallest size needle that should be used in IM injections in equines?
21g x 1.5”
Should needles be seeded to the hub in IM injections?
Yes- just like IV injections
Is the needle usually placed prior to attaching the syringe in IM injections?
Yes
What are the landmarks for IM neck injections in the equine patient?
- Ventral ligamentum nuchae
- Dorsal lateral processes of cervical vertebrae
- Leading edge of shoulder
What are the landmarks for IM semiM/semiT injections in the equine patient?
- One hands width below tuber ischia
- One hand’s width above start of gastrocnemius tendon
- Outside thigh
Can IM injections be given in the pectoral muscles?
Yes, typically avoided
Should you aspirate prior to giving an IM injection?
Yes, to ensure you’re not in a vessel
What is the volume limit for IM neck injections?
10-15cc
What is the volume limit IM semiM/semiT injections?
15-20cc
How many sites can be injected at one time in IM semiM/semiT injections?
2 at any one time
What are some complications associated with perivascular injections?
Depends on the drug
Neurologic dysfunction, sloughing, infections, inflammation, fibrosis
What are some complications associated with IM injections?
Intrathoracic disease, callulitis, myositis, fibrotic myopathy, lameness, local inflammation/pain
