Session 4 Flashcards
Administration of medicine
What are the different routes of medication administration?
Intranasal (IN) – Given through the nasal passage.
Transmucosal (TM) – Absorbed through the mucous membranes (under the tongue or in the cheek pouch).
Oral (PO)– Pills, capsules, or liquids taken by mouth.
Topical– Applied to the skin, eyes, or ears.
- Injectable – Includes Subcutaneous (SC), Intramuscular (IM), Intravenous (IV), and Intraosseous (IO).
What is the proper procedure for administering eye drops or ointment?
- Clean away debris from the eye before application.
- Hold the bottle with thumb and index finger, resting on the dog’s head for stability.
- Use the other hand to pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
- Apply the medication into the pouch without touching the eye.
- Release the head and allow the pet to blink to spread the medication.
Why should you avoid touching the eye’s surface with the bottle tip?
To prevent contamination and eye injury.
How do you properly apply ear drops to a dog?
- Clean the ear canal before applying medication.
- Hold the ear flap up and apply drops deep into the canal.
- Gently massage the base of the ear to help distribute the medication.
Why is it important to clean debris before applying ear medication?
Debris can block absorption and reduce medication effectiveness.
What are effective ways to give a pill to a cat or dog?
- Use a pill dispenser or place the pill directly in the back of the throat.
- Hide the pill in food or treats (check with a vet first).
- Use liquid formulations if available.
What is a key precaution when giving oral medications?
Always check with the doctor before offering food with the medication.
What are signs of an anaphylactic reaction to medication?
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial swelling
- Hives (urticaria)
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
What is the emergency treatment for anaphylaxis?
- Remove the inciting substance (e.g., a bee’s stinger).
- Ensure the airway is open and stabilize blood pressure.
- Administer emergency drugs (e.g., epinephrine, corticosteroids, atropine).
- Provide IV fluids and oxygen support if necessary.
What are normal responses to vaccinations?
- Pain at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Sneezing (if given a nasal vaccine)
What is Horner’s Syndrome?
A neurological disorder affecting the eye and facial muscles due to dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
What are the clinical signs of Horner’s Syndrome?
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
- Constricted pupil (miosis)
- Sunken eye appearance (enophthalmos)
- Raised third eyelid (conjunctival hyperemia)
What are possible causes of Horner’s Syndrome?
- Trauma (e.g., car accident, bite wound)
- Middle ear infections
- Tumors in the chest, neck, or brain
What is a vaccine-induced fibrosarcoma?
A rare but aggressive tumor that can develop at vaccine injection sites, especially in cats.
How can vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas be prevented?
- Use alternative injection sites (e.g., hind leg instead of shoulder blades).
- Monitor for lumps at vaccine sites.
What is the best treatment for vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas?
Early surgical removal, sometimes followed by radiation therapy.
What is a fentanyl patch used for?
Long-lasting pain relief for post-operative or chronic pain cases.
What precautions should be taken when handling a fentanyl patch?
-Wear gloves to avoid accidental absorption.
- Do not cut the patch, as it can release the drug too quickly.
- Monitor for overdose signs (e.g., excessive sedation, respiratory depression).
- Dispose of properly as residual drug may remain in used patches.
What are the steps for placing an IV catheter?
- Select an appropriate vein (cephalic, saphenous, or jugular).
- Clip and clean the site aseptically.
- Insert the catheter at a shallow angle and advance when a blood flash is seen.
- Secure with tape and flush with saline to confirm patency.
What complications can arise from IV catheter placement?
- Phlebitis (vein inflammation)
- Thrombosis (blood clot formation)
- Infection if the site is not properly maintained
What is a nasogastric tube used for?
Enteral feeding when an animal cannot eat on its own.
How do you confirm proper nasogastric tube placement?
- Aspiration (checking for stomach contents)
- Radiography
- Administering a small amount of sterile water
What is the risk of improper nasogastric tube placement?
Aspiration pneumonia if the tube enters the trachea instead of the esophagus.
