Session 7 Flashcards
Recumbent patient
What is the Body Condition Score (BCS), and why is it important?
BCS is a scale (1-9) used to assess an animal’s weight and body fat, helping determine overall health.
What are the BCS score ranges and their meanings?
1/9 – Emaciated (severely underweight)
4-5/9 – Ideal weight
9/9 – Morbidly obese
Why is weight alone not a sufficient indicator of an animal’s health?
Different breeds have varying body types, so assessing fat distribution, muscle mass, and overall condition is necessary.
Where should the BCS be recorded in the medical file?
In the subjective portion of the patient’s record.
What are common signs that an animal is experiencing pain?
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Restlessness or frequent repositioning
- Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
- Partially closed eyes
- Third eyelid protrusion
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
- Reluctance to lie down
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Pale mucous membranes
- Ptyalism (hypersalivation)
- Whimpering or yipping when moved
- Growling when approached
- Depression or lethargy
Why is recognizing pain in animals challenging?
Animals often hide signs of pain due to instinctual survival behaviors.
What is a recumbent patient?
An animal that is unable to stand or move normally due to illness, injury, or surgery.
Why is proper recumbent care essential?
To prevent pressure sores, joint stiffness, infections, and respiratory issues.
What are best practices for recumbent patient care?
- Frequent repositioning (every 2-4 hours) to avoid pressure sores.
- Soft bedding to reduce joint stress.
- Physical therapy or passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility.
- Monitoring hydration and nutrition to prevent weight loss and dehydration.
- Bladder expression or catheter care for incontinent patients.
What are the common methods of pain relief for recumbent patients?
- Medications (NSAIDs, opioids, steroids).
- Physical therapy & massage to reduce stiffness.
- Heat therapy for muscle relaxation.
- Comfortable bedding & positioning aids.
What is the purpose of using nebulization and coupage in recumbent care?
Helps loosen mucus in the lungs, improving breathing and preventing pneumonia.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy in recumbent patients?
Maintains joint flexibility, muscle strength, and circulation, preventing complications from immobility.
What are decubital ulcers (pressure sores)?
Gradual breakdown of tissue due to reduced blood supply.
What are the signs of decubital ulcers?
Reddened/thickened skin, fluid-filled areas (especially on bony prominences), ulcers/abscesses/open wounds, constant licking of the affected area.
How are decubital ulcers graded?
From 1 (least severe) to 5 (most severe).
What is the treatment for decubital ulcers?
Grades 1-2: Doughnut bandages, topical astringents/antibiotics. Grades 3-5: Possibly surgical intervention.
What are the types of urinary catheters?
Sterile polypropylene (temporary, samples), Tom cat (short/long term, male cats, relieves obstruction), soft red rubber (male dogs), Foley (balloon, prevents leakage).
What are the uses of urinary catheters?
Access bladder, administer contrast, collect urine, relieve obstruction, measure urine output, collect contaminated urine.
What are some considerations for urinary catheters?
Length/rigidity (trauma), length/flexibility (kinking), Foley balloon placement (urethral damage).
What are the complications of urinary catheterization?
Iatrogenic UTI, catheter breakage, trauma to urethra/bladder.
What is normal urine output for dogs and cats?
1-2 mL/kg/hour.
Define polyuria, oliguria, and anuria.
Polyuria: increased urination; Oliguria: low urine output; Anuria: no urine output.
What should be monitored in urine?
Output, color, and clarity.
How is urine output monitored?
Closed collection system or weighing urine/blankets. 1000 mL = 1 kg.
What are the advantages of a closed urine collection system?
Accurate estimation of urine output over time.
What are some important considerations for closed urine collection systems?
Empty every 4 hours, antimicrobials only for documented infection, position bag lower than animal, close clamp during movement, check tubing patency hourly. Cystocentesis at removal only if cystitis suspected.
How should urinary catheters be maintained?
Hand hygiene/sterile gloves, clean catheter junction (antiseptic/saline) every 24 hours, monitor urine (production, color, clarity), prevent licking/chewing, monitor for infection signs.
What are the methods of respiratory support?
Oxygen mask, tracheostomy tube, oxygen cage, nasal insufflation tube, ventilator.
Define hypoxia and hypoxemia.
Hypoxia: lack of oxygen in tissues; Hypoxemia: lack of oxygen in blood.
What are the signs of hypoxia?
Tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased respiratory rate, dyspnea, drowsiness, excitability, cold extremities.
What are the components of respiratory physiotherapy?
Nebulization (humidifying inspired gases, mobilizes mucus), coupage (chest percussion).
What are the types of nebulizers?
Ultrasonic nebulizers (dense mist of microdroplets).
When is coupage contraindicated?
Chest trauma or bleeding disorders.
