Professional studies - role of a vet nurse

Question 1

How much training does a vet nurse do?

Answer 1

1800 hours of clinical training alongside theoretical teaching

Question 2

What are the two different ways of becoming a vet nurse?

Answer 2

4 year degree

Apprentice/diploma over 2-3 years

Question 3

What are cat friendly practices?

Answer 3

Help make practices more welcoming to cats
Less stressful
Make treating and handling of cats easier for vet staff

Question 4

How do you handle cats in an appropriate way?

Answer 4

Think of environment
Owner education
Reduce stress

Question 5

How do you perform a clinical exam on a cat?

Answer 5

Place towels under cat - familiar bedding
Allow cat to maintain chosen position
Vary touch with cats response - head and neck best
Swaddle cat - makes more secure

Question 6

How can you appear less threatening to a cat?

Answer 6

Avoid direct eye contact
Move slowly and deliberately
Minimise hand gestures 
Same level as cat - approach form side
Calm quiet voice
Return to carrier as soon as possible

Question 7

What restraint aids can you use with a cat?

Answer 7

Towel
Muzzle
Gloves
Nets/crush cages
Cat bags
IM/SC medication - alpha-2 agonists

Question 8

What should you do if you get bitten by a cat?

Answer 8

Clean wound immediately with warm water 
Encourage bleeding
Clean dressing or plaster
Seen immediate medical attention if broken the skin - antibiotics
Accident book

Question 9

What are the best antibiotics for a cat bite?

Answer 9

Co-amoxiclav

Question 10

Who is responsible if a client is bitten/injured on the premises?

Answer 10

You - the vet

Question 11

What should you do if a client is bitten/injured on the premises?

Answer 11

Record in accident book
Offer hand washing facilities to owner - dont give too much supplies as can be liable
Advise client to seek medical help
Give advice note to client