Surgical Nursing Flashcards
Why should antibiotics not be given indiscriminately to animals having surgery?
Antibiotics have side effects, raise the cost of the procedure, and indiscriminate use of antibiotics helps develop resistant strains of bacteria or “superbugs.”
Student #11, JM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1050
What procedures can be performed when a hemorrhage is suspected?
PCV, TP, abdominocentesis, thoracocentesis, or fine-needle aspiration beneath the incision
Student #11, JM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1050
What abnormalities can occur in incisions during the first 1-3 days post-op?
Redness, swelling, drainage, and dehiscence
Student #11, JM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1052
How long after surgery can sutures be removed and why?
Typically sutures can be removed 10-14 days after surgery, because this Is the amount of time the wound needs to begin to strengthen. If internal sutures were placed in the dermis, external suture removal can take place 5-7 days after surgery due to the internal layer holding the incision closed as the healing process continues.
Student #11, JM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1053-1054
What is the difference between elective and non-elective surgery?
Elective surgeries are performed at the convenience of the owner and veterinarian. Some elective surgeries improve an animal’s quality of life, such as correction of a patellar luxation. Other common examples are spays and neuters. Non-elective surgery is typically an emergency and is performed urgently.
Student #11, JM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1055
What treatment options are available for a patient with a hemorrhage?
Crystalloid fluid bolus, colloidal fluid administration, blood transfusion, pressure bandage, and reoperation (to stop the source of the hemorrhage)
Student #10, AM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1050
What are some mechanisms of active warming that can be used to prevent hypothermia?
You can place animals on heated circulating water blankets, wrap paws and/or the body in plastic wrap, wrap warm water bottles with a towel and place them next to the animal, cover areas of the animal that are not involved in the surgery with an insulated blanket, use actively warmed cages and surgery tables, and use a warm air blanket (Bair Hugger).
Student #10, AM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1051
When should pain be assessed in a patient?
Preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively
Student #10, AM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1052
What is a seroma, and how can it form?
A seroma is a localized area of fluctuant swelling. It is not usually painful or warm to the touch. Seromas can form as a result of extensive surgical dissection beneath the incision, tissue planes that were not adequately closed, or excessive motion occurring at the incision site.
Student #10, AM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1052
What is the difference between an active and a passive drain?
Active drains are sealed to the environment and actively collect fluid from the wound into a reservoir, and they should be emptied as needed. Passive drains provide an exit port for fluid to the external environment. They are not ideal due to the risk of ascending bacterial infection and difficulty with their maintenance. They should be covered and changed frequently.
Student #10, AM
McCurnin 10th edition, page: 1054
What are the indications for tail docking?
Tail docking is performed in young puppies primarily for aesthetic reasons and to meet breed standards. Occasionally, the tail may be docked in hunting breeds to prevent trauma during hunting.
Student #6, MH
McCurnin 10th edition, page 1056
What are the characteristics of intestinal devitalization?
-Lack of motility
-Gray, green or black discoloration
-Severe thinning of the visceral wall
-Lack of bleeding on cut section
-Lack of fluorescein dye uptake
-Lack of doppler blood flow
Student #6, MH
McCurnin 10th edition, page 1061- 1062
Define Pyometra
Pyometra is a condition of the uterus in which endometrial hyperplasia has resulted in increased uterine secretions and accumulation of fluid within the uterus with secondary infection.
Student #6, MH
McCurnin 10th edition, page 1069
Why is it best to vaccinate a puppy or kitten 2 weeks prior to surgery rather than the day of the surgery?
Because doing it 2 weeks earlier will minimize the effect of anesthesia on the immune response to immunization.
Student #6, MH
McCurnin 10th edition, page 1049
Why should antibiotics never be given indiscriminately to animals undergoing surgery?
Because this contributes to the development of strains of bacteria that are resistant and difficult to treat such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) also called hospital superbugs.
Student #6, MH
McCurnin 10th edition, page 1050
When would you withhold fluids from an animal?
Never. Withholding of fluids does not prevent anemia!
TM, #7, McCurnin’s (electronic version) 10th ed. Location 51988 of 67848 (1 out of 5 cards)
When are sutures typically removed?
10-14 days, unless internal sutures were placed then they can be removed in 5 to 7 days
TM, #7, McCurnin’s (electronic version) 10th ed. Location 52197-52198 of 67847 (2 out of 5 cards)
Breed standards are set by what organization in the US?
The American Kennel Club
TM, #7, McCurnin’s (electronic version) 10th ed. Location 52295 of 67847 (3 out of 5 cards)
What are the techniques used to declaw animals?
- Nail trimmer (Rescoe)
- Scalpel Blade
- Carbon dioxide laser
TM, #7, McCurnin’s (electronic version) 10th ed. Location 52372-52373 of 67847 (4 out of 5 cards)
If intestinal dehiscence or leakage occurs, what postoperative disease will develop?
Septic peritonitis
TM, #7, McCurnin’s (electronic version) 10th ed. Location 52582 of 67847 (5 out of 5 cards)
Consider declawing analgesia post-operatively. Is waiting and monitoring pain level acceptable?
A wait-and-see attitude with regard to pain medication for an onychectomy is unacceptable.
DM,12, McCurnin 10th Ed. Pg. 1059
Indiscriminant use of antibiotics contributes to the development of
Resistant strains of bacteria that are difficult to treat (“super bugs”)
DM,12, McCurnin 10th Ed. Pg. 1050
Define seroma
Serum accumulated under an incision
DM,12, McCurnin 10th Ed. Pg. 1052
Define anastomosis
Suturing of the portions of the GI tract back together to allow ingesta to flow normally
DM,12, McCurnin 10th Ed. Pg. 1061
Define enterotomy
Incision into the intestine
DM,12, McCurnin 10th Ed. Pg. 1061
This occurs when serum seeps through the bandage to the external environment
8 JM
Strike-through
McCurnin 10th Ed
pg 1054
The separation of the layers of an incision or wound
8 JM
Wound dehiscence
McCurnin 10th Ed
pg 1053
Complete dehiscence of a thoracic wound can result in this condition
8 JM
Pneumothorax
McCurnin 10 Ed
pg 1053