Recovery from anaesthesia

Question 1

What should be done once the surgery is complete?

Answer 1

• Turn off anaesthetic agent
• If patient is intubated or has been on inhalational anaesthesia, provide 100% oxygen for about 5 min, as they will need to expel as much volatile agent as possible

Question 2

What should be done as the patient starts to react to external stimuli?

Answer 2

• After oxygenation requirements have been met, dump the reservoir bag
• Disconnect patient from circuit and turn flow meter off

Question 3

What is the extubating process?

Answer 3

• Once the gag reflex returns remove the ETT
• Cats need to be extubated sooner than dogs due to laryngospasms
• Brachycephalics should be extubated as late as possible to reduce risk of airway obstruction

Question 4

What should be done when transferring from theatre to recovery?

Answer 4

• Place in a warm dry kennel
• Adequate bedding
• Sternal positioning recommended

Question 5

What should be done for post-op monitoring?

Answer 5

• Monitor vital signs
• ECG/SPO2 at regular intervals
• Supplemented O2 if needed
• Heat sources

Question 6

What is the advantage of blankets?

Answer 6

• Minimal chance of overheating

Question 7

What is the disadvantage of blankets?

Answer 7

• Not active warming

Question 8

What are the advantages of heat mat/pad?

Answer 8

• Active warming
• Waterproof

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of heat mat/pad?

Answer 9

• Specific weight required to activate warming
• If animal is sedation they are unable to move away from heat, so an increased risk of burning

Question 10

What are the advantages of electrical forced air warmer?

Answer 10

• Continuous active warming of the patient with warm air
• Minimal possibility of burning

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of electrical forced air warmer?

Answer 11

• Expensive
• Air warmer sheets can become soiled and dirty

Question 12

What are the advantages of electrical intravenous fluid warmer?

Answer 12

• Warm fluids entering the patient
• Inexpensive

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of electrical intravenous fluid warmer?

Answer 13

• Minimal effects if used alone
• Positive effects can be questioned

Question 14

How can analgesia be monitored?

Answer 14

• Monitor signs of pain using pain score sheets
• If high scores, speak to VS regarding analgesics