Admission and Discharge Procedures

Question 1

List pre-operative instructions

Answer 1

• Feeding requirements including water
• Exercise
• Toilet recommendations
• Further pre-operative testing or services such as blood tests

Question 2

What are the pre-operative instructions on feeding requirements in dogs and cats?

Answer 2

No food 6-12 hours before surgery but water up until they come

Question 3

What are the pre-operative instructions on feeding requirements in puppies and kittens?

Answer 3

Shorter starvation period than adults, as they have a greater risk of hypoglycaemia and water up until they come

Question 4

Why is starvation recommended before surgery?

Answer 4

• Can prevent reflux or vomiting during anaesthesia
• Prevent pressure onto the lungs

Question 5

What can happen if reflux or vomiting occurs during anaesthesia?

Answer 5

Can lead to aspiration into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia or choking due to inhalation

Question 6

What can happen is there is pressure on the lungs?

Answer 6

A full stomach putting pressure on the lungs can reduce an animal’s ability to uptake oxygen during anaethesia

Question 7

Why can animals have water up until they come for surgery?

Answer 7

To reduce risks of dehydration

Question 8

What is advised for owners to do with their cats the night before surgery?

Answer 8

Keep them indoors before admission to avoid hunting

Question 9

What are the pre-operative instructions for feeding requirements in rabbits, guinea pigs and small mammals and why?

Answer 9

Must not be starved of food or water to prevent gut stasis

Question 10

What age is a pre-anaesthetic blood test recommended to?

Answer 10

8 years and above

Question 11

What does a pre-anaesthetic blood test do?

Answer 11

Measures the biochemistry and haemotology of the blood including the kidney and liver function as well as measuring the protein levels to check for an infection

Question 12

What is peri-operative fluid therapy?

Answer 12

Fluid therapy which is often recommended for older animals or patients with known conditions during surgery to reduce anaesthesia risks and to provide additional hydration

Question 13

What should the veterinary nurse do when admitting the patient for surgery?

Answer 13

• Gather key information from the owner about the animal
• Perform a physical examination
• Check contact details of the owner
• Clear identification of the animal and belongings
• Obtain informed consent

Question 14

What key information should the Veterinary nurse gather when admitting the patient?

Answer 14

• Ask for changes about the patient’s health
• Reproductive status
• Confirm vaccines
• Inquire about drug allergies or reactions
• Confirm compliance with fasting instructions

Question 15

Why do animals need to be weighed?

Answer 15

• Accurate doses of medication and anaesthetic drugs
• Body condition scoring

Question 16

Why is it important to obtain contact information?

Answer 16

• In case of emergency
• If plans change
• If further discussion is needed

Question 17

What should be discussed on the informed consent form?

Answer 17

• A range of reasonable treatment options discussed
• Fee estimates
• Main associated risks
• 18 years of age or above

Question 18

How long does it take for the patient to recover from general anaesthesia?

Answer 18

24 hours

Question 19

How long does is take for the patient to recover from sedation?

Answer 19

12-24 hours

Question 20

Why does it take geriatric animals longer to recover from anaesthetic?

Answer 20

They have a slower metabolism rate

Question 21

What are recovery times influenced by?

Answer 21

Health and age

Question 22

List the signs patients may have before recovering from anaesthetic

Answer 22

• Drowsiness
• Loss of coordination
• Inappetance
• Limited or reduced ability to defecate
• Reduced tolerance of beahviour

Question 23

What are the feeding instructions for post-operative surgery?

Answer 23

• Offer bland diet (chicken and rice) in small quantities
• Normal feeding routine can return after 24 hours post anaesthesia
• Easy access to water

Question 24

Describe toileting habits post-operative surgery

Answer 24

• No/limited bowel movement for 24-48 hours due to slow gut transit from starvation
• Urination should occur as normal

Question 25

Describe exercise post-operative surgery

Answer 25

Sutures: 10-14 days no exercise
Bandages: specific requirements depending on patient
Implants or fracture repairs: may be up to 8-10 weeks

Question 26

What sutures require removal?

Answer 26

Non-dissolvable suture such as Nylon and PDS

Question 27

What sutures require no removal?

Answer 27

Dissolvable sutures such as Vicryl and Monocryl

Question 28

What should be monitored on sutures?

Answer 28

• Inflammation
• Swelling or redness
• Pain
• Loss of function
• Changes in demeanor
• Patient interference

Question 29

What should be used to prevent patient interference with wounds/surgical sites?

Answer 29

• Buster collar
• Bandage

Question 30

What is common post intubation?

Answer 30

Sore throat and cough due to irritation of airway

Question 31

What are the feeding requirements for rabbits and small mammal post-operative surgery?

Answer 31

• Should eat immediately following anaesthesia
• If patient does not eat within 12 hours, owners should contact the practice

Question 32

What should toileting be like in rabbits and small animals post-operative surgery?

Answer 32

• Should pass within 12 hours
• If does not occur, client should contact the practice

Question 32

Why should rabbits and small mammals be kept indoors 24 hours post-operative surgery?

Answer 32

They struggle to thermoregulate