1 Intro info Flashcards
What is a medical emergency?
an urgent or pressing need for medical attention
What is a critical care patient?
a patient whose condition can deteriorate rapidly
What is an intensive care unit (ICU)?
a facility for management for critical care patients
T/F: An intensive care unit (ICU) is the same thing as an emergency room.
FALSE
What are options for clinics that offer emergency services?
- specifically an emergency clinic - 24 hour full service emergency and critical care facility; typically transfers patients to their usual vet on next working day
- full service hospital with 24 hour service for its clientele
- on-call rotation of area veterinarians
What are some ethical considerations in ECC?
- obligation to patient
- obligation to client
- facilitation of client decision making
- client disenchantment w previous veterinarian
- indigent clients
- stray animals
- decision whether or not to treat
Some issues faced related to obligation to the patient?
- alleviate / prevent pain
- minimize stress, sufferring
- attempt to correct dz or injury w reasonable prognosis
- humane euthanasia when indicated
Some issues faced related to obligation to client?
- honesty, courtesy, respect
- protection of client confidences
- reasonable fees
- informed consent
- competent and caring services
Some ideas about how to effectively facilitate client decision making?
- avoid haste
- consider emotions
- empathetic third party may assist
Some guidelines when dealing with client disenchantment with the previous vet?
- avoid criticism [you do not know condition of animal when other vet saw/treated it or the vet’s thought process/reasoning]
- listen and allow client to calm
- focus on animal’s present condition
- consider consultation w previous vet for patient’s benefit
- consider reporting misdeeds AFTER patient care, if there are misdeeds to report - via proper channels
What to remember when dealing with indigent clients?
- patient must receive vet’s best services unless the client specifically consents to less extensive services
- patient must be treated with same level of care as when client is paying full fees
Considerations when treating stray animals:
- “Good Samaritan” rarely assumes the bill
- obligation to animal dictates at least supportive care at minimum
- the owner, once located, may refuse to pay the bill
When might the decision to NOT treat be made?
- treatable or untreatable conditions that result in poor quality of life
What are ways to decide to not treat?
- passive euthanasia
- orders to not resuscitate (no code, DNR, DNAR)
Alternative to passive euthanasia and deciding not to treat?
active euthanasia - performed by vet
Legal considerations when working in ECC?
- negligence
- contracted liability
- emergency Tx communications
- informed consent
- emergency prescriptions
- euthanasia in owner absence
- client assisstance w treatment
- communication bottom line
Why might a vet face negligence issues?
- deviation from accepted standards
- national locality rule
- specialists held to higher standards
When does the vet-client relationship begin?
upon verbal or written agreement
When does the contract (VCPR) end?
- Tx is complete
- care is transferred to another veterinarian
- the client decides to terminate the contract
If a client makes telephone contact with a vet, what is a potential liability issue?
- vet liable if client is NOT advised to have animal examined
- vet also liable is medication is prescribed w/o an examination
What law is violated if medication is prescribed over the phone without an examination of the animal?
MO Practice Act
When should decision be made for euthanasia if owner cannot be contacted?
- based on good judgement
- defendable in court, if action is similar to what other veterinarians would do
How can a vet show forsight and avoid liability for client injury?
- offer to have vet or vet tech restrain animal, instead of the client
- if client bitten by their animal and you did not offer this, you are liable
One of the most important aspects of vet care, especially in the emergency setting?
COMMUNICATION
