Nursing the Painful Cat - FF Article Flashcards
What role does nursing care play in managing pain in cats?
Nursing care helps to recognize and alleviate pain and reduce stress, which can heighten the perception of pain.
Why is it important to assess the cat’s behavior before a painful procedure?
Knowing the cat’s preoperative behavior helps assess postoperative pain levels by comparing changes in demeanor.
How can nurses assess pain in cats?
Observe from a distance, interact with the cat through stroking, and apply gentle pressure to affected areas to gauge discomfort.
What behavioral changes can indicate pain in cats?
Signs include altered facial expressions, guarding an injured area, inappetence, hunched posture, and aggression.
What is a key indicator of pain on a cat’s face?
Flattened ears and a squinting eye position can indicate pain, while relaxed expressions suggest effective analgesia.
How can nutrition aid in the recovery of painful cats?
Adequate nutrition hastens recovery and reduces pain. Anorexia can slow recovery and increase discomfort.
How should nausea be managed in painful cats?
Nausea, often caused by opioids, should be addressed with drugs like maropitant or metoclopramide before tempting the cat to eat.
What considerations should be made for feeding painful cats?
Use high-calorie meals, warm the food, and avoid syringe feeding, which can cause food aversion.
Why is minimizing handling important in painful cats?
Handling should be limited to prevent exacerbating pain and stress. Use pain relief at peak effect for necessary interventions.
What environmental adjustments can reduce stress in painful cats?
Provide comfortable bedding, a quiet space, and allow time for environmental enrichment, such as scratching posts or roaming.
