Recovery Period Flashcards
What is the recovery period?
-the period between cessation of anaesthetic administration to the time when the animal can maintain unsupported sternal recumbency
What are factors which could lead to a slow recovery?
-pain
-hypothermia
-lasting effects of anaesthetic drugs
-duration of anaesthesia
-condition of patient
-age of patient
What does the duration of recovery depend on?
-duration of procedure
-condition of patient
-age of patient
-drugs used
-hypothermia
What does the nurse monitor during recovery?
-MM, CRT, pulse, temp
-airway patency and respiratory effort
-cranial nerve reflexes to establish level of consciousness
-pain levels
-presence of urine and faeces
-all parameters must be monitored
What are the signs a patients recovering?
-HR and RR increases
-respiratory volume increases
-eye position rotates centrally
-reflexes palpebral, pedal, ear flick become stronger
-gag reflex returns
-shiver, swallow, chew, lick, vocalise
Do we oxygenate prior to disconnection?
-yes
-especially in brachycephalics
-pure oxygen for several mins after
administration of anaesthetic agents has ceased before being disconnected
When do we remove the ET tube?
-when patient regains swallow reflex
-early in cats to reduce chance of larynx closing
-later in brachycephalics as airway complications common
How do we remove the ET tube?
-deflate cuff and untie mouth tape
-animal placed in lateral or sternal recumbency with the neck extended
How are injectable drugs eliminated?
-removed from blood by liver where they are metabolised
-excreted by kidneys in urine
How are inhaled drugs eliminated?
-via respiratory tract
What can be used to reverse drugs?
-antagonist drugs give to reverse effects of agents
What can affect post op pain?
-procedure
-surgical technique
What analgesia can be provided pre operatively?
-buprenorphine
-methadone
-ketamine
-Meloxicam
-local anaesthetics
-alpha 2 agonists
What are signs of pain?
-vocalisation
-hunched posture
-locomotion
-rest
-appetite
-facial expression
-depression
What can cause prolonged recovery?
-severe pain leading to depression
-persistent drug activity
-pain relieving surgery may lead to resting
-hypothermia
What can we do to prevent delayed recovery?
-adequate analgesia
-keep animal warm
-reverse effects of drugs if possible under VS direction
What antagonist can be used for opioids?
Naloxone
What antagonist can be used for alpha 2 agonists?
Atipamezole
What antagonist can be used for benzodiazepines?
Flumazenil
What recovery complications can occur?
-pain emerging from anaesthesia
-convulsions or epilepsy
-hypoxia
-drowsiness
What can cause hypothermia during anaesthesia?
-prolonged procedures
-small or old patients
-abdominal or thoracic surgeries
-clip and cold prep
What must be considered when patient leaves the surgery?
-only when fully recovered
-make sure owners understand post op care
-provide contact details
-explain post op complication and what to expect
What are the roles of VN during recovery?
-monitor return of reflexes
-extubation and maintain airway
-avoid hypoxia
-avoid hypothermia
-monitor signs of pain
-monitor wound
-alert VS to concerns
