Monitoring Equipment Flashcards
How can temperature be monitored?
- rectal and aural probe
- thermistor probe (inside an oesophageal probe)
How should a thermometer be prepared?
Ensure clean, working and apply a cover/lube
What is the normal temperature range for dogs ?
38.3-38.7C
What is the normal temperature range for cats?
38.0-38.5C
What preparations are required for using an oesophageal stethoscope?
Ensure clean, correct size and securely connected to patient. Use lubricant to insert into the oesophagus.
What is an oesophageal stethoscope used for?
- auscultating HR, quality etc
What does an ECG show?
Electrical activity of the heart ( does not measure Cardiac output)
- Can detect premature ventricular contractions and arrythmias
How is an ECG attached?
Via electrodes
- Red to Right Forepaw
- Yellow to Left Forepaw
- Green to Left Back
- Black to Right back
What two ways is BP measured indirectly?
- Doppler
2. Oscillometric
Describe how a doppler is used to measure BP
- A small ultrasound probe is placed over a peripheral pulse with conducting gel between
- A cuff is placed further up the limb and manually inflated to occlude blood flow
- The cuff is slowly deflated and the reading is recorded using a sphygmomanometer
Describe how an Oscillometric machine is used to measure BP
- A cuff is attached at the same level as the heart.
- Cuff is automatically inflated and deflated from a machine which then records the oscillations in the blood flow as it returns
What errors can occur when taking blood pressure?
- cuff size
- incorrect placement
- inadequate/too heavy contact
- not enough gel
- battery failure
Describe how BP is measured directly
Arterial catheter is inserted and connected to a saline fluid bag and a pressure transducer or manometer and a 3-way tap.
Why is a BP measurement a useful tool?
- alerts you if compromised blood flow to vital organs
- helps avoid hypotension
- provides CVS information
What can cause a low BP reading?
- hypovolaemia (haemorrhage or drugs)
- vasodilation due to deep anaesthesia or drugs
- sepsis
- abnormal heart rhythm
- reduced cardiac contractility