Patient Assessment Flashcards
What essential vital signs should be taken to assess the patient’s current condition?
- Temperature
- Pulse + heartbeat
- Respiration
- Mucous membrane colour
- Capillary Refill Time
- Blood pressure
What is the most common + accurate method of taking a patient’s temperature?
Rectally, with a rectal thermometer
What is not an acceptable method of storing thermometers, after use?
In a container of disinfectant, as it is very un-hygienic
What is the standard measurement that temperatures should be recorded at?
Celsius
What should you always apply both pre + post use of a thermometer?
PPE, along with WHO hand-wash
How long should you typically leave the thermometer in place for?
30 > 60 seconds or until the thermometer beeps
How should you disinfect a thermometer after use?
Wash in warm water + detergent
or
If you have applied a thermometer cover, remove this + repeat as above
Never use hot water + as can break the thermometer
If you’re using a mecury thermometer, what should you do prior to switching it on and off?
Shake the mecury down
How should you insert a rectal thermometer?
- Gently
- With rotating action
- Hold against rectal canal not centrally, where fecal matter may be present
- Read at horizontal level
What should you do if you recieve an abnormal reading on the thermometer?
- Re-take/repeat it
- Record
- Report to VS
What should you apply to the thermometer or thermometer cover?
Lubrication
(KY-Jelly most common)
True or False.
You should perform the WHO handwash prior to to patient contact + taking the patient’s temperature
True
What should you ensure the thermometer is prior to use?
Clean!
What is the normal temperature of a Dog?
38.3 > 38.9 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Cat?
38.2 > 38.6 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Rabbit?
38.5 > 40 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Guinea Pig?
37.2 > 39.5 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Chinchilla?
37 > 38 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Chipmunk?
38 degrees celsius
During Torpor
What is the normal temperature of a Chipmunk?
38 degrees celsius (+ or - a few)
What is the normal temperature of a Gerbil?
37.4 > 39 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Rat?
38 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Syrian Hamster?
36.2 > 37.5 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Russian Hamster?
36 > 38 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Mouse?
37.5 degrees celsius
What is the normal temperature of a Ferret?
37.8 > 40 degrees celsius
What are the organs which are most susceptible to Hyperthermia?
- Brain
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Liver
What is Pyrexia also known as?
- True fever
or - Pyrogenic
What are potential causes of Hyperthermia?
- General over-heating
- Uncontrollable set point is altered
- Core Body Temperature (CBT) due to exogenous factors
- Exposure to endogenous heat
What are potential causes of Pyrexia?
- Imflammatory response or infection
What are potential causes of Hypothermia?
- Sedation
- Anaesthetic
- Analgesic drugs
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Shock
- Lethargy
- Injury
- Internal bleeding
What is meant by Diphasic?
Fluctuating temperature
What are potential causes of Diphasic?
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
What is CDV also known as?
Hard-pad Disease
Alongside the clinical sign of Diphasia, what discharge is accompanied with CDV?
Nasal + Ocular discharge