Special Patient Care

Question 1

What are the 4 stages of SOAP?

Answer 1

Subjective, objective, assessment, planning

Question 2

What is the subjective stage?

Answer 2

Subjective opinion based on first viewing of the animal, cannot be measured

Question 3

What is the objective stage?

Answer 3

Objective observation which can be measured, e.g. HR/RR/pulse quality

Question 4

What is the assessment phase?

Answer 4

Includes diagnosis and condition of patient, usually completed by the vet/doctor

Question 5

What is the planning phase?

Answer 5

Includes the medical plan going forward, usually completed by the vet/doctor (esp. if involves medication)

Question 6

When is heat usually required?

Answer 6

Post-GA

Question 7

What is the best way to get a patient to eat/drink?

Answer 7

Ask owner what food px likes best, offer clean water, use animal’s normal bowls, assist feeding if necessary

Question 8

How can you make things more comfortable for a patient with compromised mobility?

Answer 8

Having food/water within easy reach, regular movement to avoid ulcers/sores, assist with toileting or place catheter

Question 9

What is important to consider in terms of recording urination/defaecation?

Answer 9

Compare to normal routine, measure output, watch for volume AND effort, consider catheterisation/enema if necessary, offer type of substrate px likes best (cats)

Question 10

How to provide adequate stimulation for patient?

Answer 10

Spend time with px, boredom buster toys, offer regular outside time/walks, grooming and general care, let owners visit if appropriate

Question 11

What is involved in good post-parturient care?

Answer 11

Clear airways! Clamp/tie off umbilicus, dry off and keep warm, general examination of bodyweight/ orifices/ mobility/ feeding/ excretion/ umbilicus health

Question 12

How to care for orphaned young?

Answer 12

Colostrum within first 12 hours, then commercial puppy/kitten preparation, manual U+/F+ stimulation, monitor against weight charts

Question 13

What is important to consider when nursing the geriatric patient?

Answer 13

Soft + padded bedding, warmth, quiet, small meals/soft food, gentle exercise, physio for stiff joints

Question 14

What is important to consider when nursing the recumbent patient?

Answer 14

Thick + padded bedding, consider boredom, placement of food and water, decubitus ulcers (turn regularly), urine scalding, muscle atrophy, hypostatic pneumonia

Question 15

What is important to consider when nursing the comatose/weak patient?

Answer 15

Depends on reason for weakness - maintain airways, monitor very often, physiotherapy, IV catheter care