Essentials of Recovery Flashcards
When do most anaesthetic deaths happen?
During recovery
Why is recovery dangerous?
Go from period of close monitoring to no monitoring
-species + breed specific dangers
What are the common recovery problems? (4)
Hypothermia
Hypoxaemia
Hypo/hypertension
Emergence delirium
What animals are more at risk of hypothermia?
What are the causes?
Smaller animals
Causes = anaesthetic drugs, clipping, surgical spirit, open body cavity.
What are the consequences of hypothermia?
lower MAC
delayed recovery
Shivering
Delayed wound healing
How would you prevent hypothermia?
Heat pads
Blankets
Flushing with warm fluids
Monitor temp
What is emergence delirium and what are the risks?
State of dissociation of consciousness
self limiting 5-15mins
risk of injury to animal and handler
How would you prevent emergence delirium?
sedate/physical restraint
Reduce stimulation - noise/ light
give adequate analgesia
What are the causes of hypoxaemia?
airway obstruction
inadequate ventilation
poor gas exchange
What are the signs of hypoxaemia?
cyanotic MM
Tachypnoea/dyspnoea
stertor/stridor
reduced consciousness
Tx for hypoxaemia?
ensure patent airway
ventilate/oxygen
analgesia if struggle breathing
only extubate when animal can protect airway
How would you prevent hypo/hypertension?
Utilise fluid therapy
vasoactive drugs
What are the cat+dog related recovery problems?
Gastric reflux
Regurgitation
Aspiration
What are the cat related recovery problems?
Tracheal tear/rupture
Blindness
What are the horse related recovery problems?
Colic
Myopathy/neuropathy
Fracture
