Collaborative Practice and Role of VN in Medical Cases Flashcards
1
Q
Why does the protection of the RVN title matter?
A
- Professional recognition and pride.
- Undergone years of specialised and expensive training.
- Proven and assessed in day 1 competencies.
- Covered by professional indemnity insurance.
- On RCVS register!
- Subject to RCVS code of Professional Conduct.
- Undertake regular / annual CPD / continuing education.
- Delegation – Professionals need to know who they are delegating tasks to.
- Patient welfare!
2
Q
- How can you check the register for a nurse?
- What do the different RVN badges mean?
A
- rcvs.org.uk»_space; Find a Vet Nurse»_space; Search name»_space; Brings up list of matches w/ location, ref number, reg date, field of work.
- Red badge is registered veterinary nurse on RCVS register, red w/ ‘registered’ = adaptation, blue w/ ‘diploma’ = RVN w/ advanced diploma in nursing, RVC badge = advanced diploma completed at RVC.
3
Q
Importance of working well with RVNs as vets.
A
Helps build strong interprofessional relationships»_space; Reduces patient risk / improves patient outcome»_space; Job satisfaction.
4
Q
Role of RVN in diabetic cat case.
A
- Initial set-up of treatment regime (prescribed by VS) – 45 min consult.
- Ensure O knows how to inject (clip back of neck to aid placement) w/ demo of injection on orange, pillowcase etc.
- Discuss feeding/weight loss etc.
- Diabetes care package – what it is, how to manage it, what to look for, when to worry.
- Continued point of contact – home visits / monthly checks.
5
Q
VN role in GI patient case.
A
- Handed over to RVN w/ plan on hosp. sheet. (vet still consulting).
- Initiation of treatment ASAP – IVFT, bloods, faecal sample, meds.
- Bathed daily / tail bandage / barrier cream.
- Generate care plan.
- Call to O and completion of nursing care plan (for eating, time of eating, sleep routine, surface preferences.
- Hand feeds?
- General maintenance w/ eye cleans etc.
6
Q
Role of VN in kidney cat case.
A
- Initial set up of medical plan (as prescribed by vet).
- Palliative care – O needs more support / not coping (create bond).
- Home visits – stress reduced.
- SC fluids as prescribed – support kidneys.
- Regular bloods (at home).
- Regular BP (at home).
- Supporting renal diet.
- Point of contact.
7
Q
Overall benefits of RVN/ VS relationship.
A
- Frees up vet time – financial viability for practice.
- Allows nurse to se their skills.
- Gives owner point of contact.
- Allows owners time to learn how to care for patient (w/ >10min consult slot).
- Give pet best chance of controlling health problem.
- Value for money.
- Cements bond between RVN, VS and client – see the value in each role.
8
Q
The 7 steps of effective teamwork.
A
- Communication.
- Collaboration.
- Coordination of care.
- Accountability.
- Integrity.
- Sharing ideas.
- Being supportive of each other.
9
Q
Performing a clinical exam on a cat.
A
- Place towels or non-slip pads under the cat, or keep the cat on top of the familiar bedding from the carrier.
- Examine cat in a lap with cat facing client and away from you, with bedding between you and the cat.
- Allow cat to maintain chosen position.
- Vary touch w/ cat’s response. Head and neck preferred.
- Swaddle cat in towel or cover cat’s head w/ blanket – security.
10
Q
Making human behaviour less threatening to a cat.
A
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Move slowly and deliberately; minimise hand gestures.
- Put yourself on same level as cat, approach from side, don’t loom above or over cat.
- Use calm quiet voice. Animated discussions may engage client but scare cat.
- If cat anxious, return to carrier before going over instructions w/ client, unless need to demo something.
- Be aware of own emotions and potential effect on cat’s behaviour.
- NEVER risk yourself or another person.
11
Q
Restraint aids for cats.
A
- Towels/muzzles – cover eyes, may calm cat by reducing intensity of visual stimuli. They do not immobilise the cat.
- Gloves/gauntlets – Protection of human arms and hands. NB gloves may carry odours which may further arouse cat.
- Nets/crush cages – Should only use rarely in extreme circumstances.
- Cat bags – Can allow access to front leg for cephalic venepuncture and dorsal shoulder for subcutaneous fluid injections. Getting the cat into the bag may be difficult. Too tight = panic. Too loose = insufficient restraint. Well placed towel wrap may be more comfortable and form-fitting.
12
Q
What if physical restraint does not work?
A
Chemical restraint.
Increase safety, reduce stress.
Always better to use pre-emptively as once cat agitated, chemical restraint less effective or reliable.
Use meds that utilise IM or SC administration as less restraint required. Use reversible agents where poss.
13
Q
What to do if you get bitten by a cat.
A
- Clean wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes – even if skin doesn’t appear broken.
- Remove any objects from the bite.
- Encourage bleeding by gently squeezing wound unless bleeding freely.
- If bleeding heavily, apply pressure w/ clean pad or sterile dressing.
- Dry wound and cover w/ clean dressing or plaster.
- If skin broken, seek immediate medical attention after cleaning wound.
- Co-amoxiclav recommended.
- Complete accident book ASAP.
- If body part severed, wash w/ tap water, wrap in clean tissue, store in plastic bag surrounded by ice to transport to hospital.
14
Q
- What is RIDDOR?
- Occasions to think about RIDDOR.
A
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations.
- Death.
- Specified injuries.
- Injuries that result in incapacitation for 7+ days.
- Injuries that result in direct trip to hospital.
- Injuries to non-workers on the premises.
— Everything else? – RECORD IT!
- Death.
15
Q
Who is responsible if a client is injured in the practice?
A
EMPLOYER!
- Protect self and practice.
- Accident book.
- Offer hand washing facilities to owner.
- Advise client to seek medical help.
- Give advice note to client.
- Have risk assessment and SOPS and update them regularly.
