Special Patient Care Flashcards
who may a client be?
the animal’s owner or someone acting with the authority of the owner
when must care be taken if gaining consent from a client?
if the client is not the direct owner
what should a consent form be used in conjunction with?
a discussion with client usually lead by the VS
when can informed consent only be given?
by a client who has had the opportunity to consider a range of reasonable treatment options (including euthanasia) with associated fees and main risks explained
when must client consent to treatment be gained?
always obtained unless delay would adversely affect the animals welfare
what is most important when communicating risks and procedures to clients?
language is pitched to the clients level of understanding with limited medical jargon
who is responsible for gaining client consent?
VS prior to the procedure but can be delegated
when can gaining client consent be delegated?
if the person is suitably trained and has sufficient knowledge to understand procedure and risks involved
what must be done if the client does not wish to know the risks and costs of a procedure?
this must be documented on the clinical record/consent form
what should be done if more procedures than were consented for are needed during the period the animal is admitted?
every effort must be made to inform client prior to procedure being completed
once the client has signed the consent form what should happen to it?
be copied and one given to the owner, one stored on records
what 3 processes may a consent form be required for?
surgery
medical procedure
euthanasia
what should be included on a consent form for surgery/medical procedures?
patient name, sex and breed details owner name and address contact number outline of cost medical history last meal/drink surgery details staff involved owner signature and date statement of risks/lack of owner contact in emergency any other procedures DNR
what is essential when gaining an owners contact number?
that they are able to be contacted on that number at all times
what areas of a pets medical history may be included on the consent form?
allergies, medication, previous procedures
what should we be wary of including on every consent form?
DNR - can be alarming for the owner if there pet is undergoing a basic procedure
what should be included on a euthanasia consent form?
animals details owner details practice details date method of disposal donor options signature of owner consent for euthanasia outline of costs and payment plans
what procedures must be remembered when discharging a patient?
ensure patient is ready to go home
talk to owner without animal present
verbally give details of aftercare
give written aftercare and bandage care sheets
book followup
give surgery contact including out of hours for owner to use if concerned
talk through medication and show how to dose
what can be used to help owners with pets on large drug regimen?
hospital drug sheet
