Recovery Flashcards
what is the recovery period?
the period between disconnection of anaesthetic administration to the time when the animal can maintain unsupported sternal recumbency
What is the recovery duration dependant on?
Length of anaesthesia Patient condition Patient age Type of anaesthesia and admin route Patients body temperature
What will be seen during reversal>
Increased HR Increased RR Increased respiratory volume Eye position roatates centrally REfelxes palebral, pedal, ear, flick - become stronger
How long after cease of anaesthetic agents should pure oxygen be given?
several minutes
When is the ET tube removed?
when the patient regains swallow reflex the ET tube should be removed (earlier in cats, later in brachycephalic)
Remember to deflate cuff and untie mouth tape
Animal should be placed in lateral or sternal recumbency with neck extended
Describe the elimination of anaesthesia
Injectable - removed from blood by liver where they are metabolised and excreted by the kidneys in urine. Some are excreted unchanged
Inhalational - eliminated through respiratory tract
What is pain in the recovery period dependant on?
Surgiacal procedure:(RTA, severe, Chronic pain, more pain post op, Thoracotomy, severe) Surgical technique, if poor=more pain Perioperative analgesia : -drug used -short or long acting -dosage should be correct and adequate
What are signs of pain?
Vary according to species and indivual
Dog - depressed, shivering, tail between legs, aggressive/submissive
Cat - ears flat, hiding, tucked up, cringe
What can cause prolonged recovery?
Severe pain
Persistant drug activity
Pain relieving surgery may lead to resting
Hypothermia
What can VN do?
Provide adequate analgesia
Keep animal warm
Reverse effects of drugs if possible (under VS)
What can cause recovery problems?
Excitation (stormy) Pain Emerging from anaesthesia (short-lived) Convulsion, epilepsy Hypoxia
How can drowsy patients be cared for?
Animals incapable of maintaining sternal recumbency should be turn every 2hrs to reduce hypostatic congestion risk
How can hypothermia be caused?
Anaesthesia affects hypothermia Prolonged procedures can cause hypothermia - especially in small patients Monitor patient temperature Supplementary heating may be required Keep warm from pre-med onwards
What is the vital post op monitoring check list?
Maintain observations Oxygenate Avoid hypothermia Manage pain Reverse drugs (if necessary) Turn recumbent patients
