T4: Patient Discharge and Admission

Question 1

What admission documentation will you need?

Answer 1

• standard consent forms
• admissions form
• check client/patient info current and correct
• any relevant history
• all procedures to occur
• estimated fee
• authority to resuscitate
• note any personal belongings

Question 2

What should you have ready at a discharge appointment?

Answer 2

• invoice
• discharge paperwork
• any meds
• home care instructions
• personal belongings
• check vital signs before discharging
• check patient is ready to go home 30mins prior to scheduled discharge

Question 3

All dispensed drugs must be labelled how?

Answer 3

• “FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY” written on it.
• name and address of vet surgeon.
• date that it was dispensed.
• name of the owner or person responsible for the animal.
• name or type of animal for whom the drug was dispensed.
• directions for use, including the route of administration.
• name (generic and product), form and
  strength of the medicine.
• any storage instructions
• withholding periods

Question 4

What home care advise will the client require?

Answer 4

• care of the surgical site wounds / drains / bandages / splints or casts
• suture care and time of removal
• restricted exercise
• physiotherapy
• nutrition - what to feed, and how much
• how to give medications and how they may affect the animal (any side effects?)
• what behaviour to expect from the animal over the next days and weeks
• what complications to look out for
• when to return for checkups
• when to phone the vet