VETTECH U 2024 / HOUSTON, TX
caution is advised when using unapproved or homemade warning devices like rice socks. Thermal burns can occur and may be life- threatening in the context that wound management is a financial and emotional burden that exceeds many pet owner’s threshold. In addition to monitoring body temperature, use of a Doppler can be a valuable tool to assess not only blood pressure but also provide an audible heart rate in patients, especially neonates following a caesarian section. The Doppler can be placed directly over the heart in the neonate to assess viability. During CPR efforts, the Doppler could be placed on the eye of the patient to assess if the compressions are generating sufficient output to reach the eye in hopes that if the eye is perfused then the brain will be as well. Between compressions the Doppler is placed on the eye and used to assess for the return of spontaneous circulation.
Utilizing the ECG is more than recording heart rate. ECG use involves interpretation of the waveform through three fundamental questions: 1.) What is the heart rate (slow/normal/fast), 2.) Is there a P wave for every QRS complex and a QRS complex for every P wave, and 3.) Is the waveform predictable? Mastering these three questions will help you confidently identify arrhythmias. For example, if a patient is experiencing a ventricular escape rhythm, the heart rate is characteristically slow, there are QRS complexes without P waves, and the rhythm can be regular or irregular. Most importantly there is often a pause or delay following the preceding P-QRS complex before the wide-bizarre QRS ventricular escape beat occurs. In the case of ventricular premature contractions (VPC), the heart rate is generally fast, the QRS complexes do not have P waves, and the rhythm is regular or irregular. The QRS complexes are generally wide because they are ventricular in origin but happen before expected compared to delayed ventricular escape beats. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm can also be challenging to identify but when asking the questions, the heart rate is generally less than 160 bpm. Capnography provides more than a respiratory rate, including end tidal CO2, inspired CO2, and waveform analysis that can provide you a means to evaluate ventilation, circulation, a mechanical equipment-related issue, leak, or obstruction. Waveform interpretation is essential to gain the most from a capnograph. When using any monitoring equipment that provides values and waveforms, the anesthetist should strive to become proficient at recognizing normal and abnormal values and waveforms. The capnograph is also recommended during CPR efforts to aid in the evaluation of compression adequacy as well as return of spontaneous circulation. The advantage is that this assessment can be performed without interrupting compressions. Commonly underappreciated, thermoregulation is essential to optimizing patient outcomes. Veterinary technicians are outstanding at developing creative methods for minimizing heat loss and rewarming patients. However, when actively warming patients,
HOW DO YOU PROVIDE CONSTANT-RATE INFUSIONS WITHOUT A SYRINGE PUMP? SIMPLE, USE THIS FORMULA:
Drug dose (mg/kg/h)
X Vol. of fluid bag (mL) = mg of drug to add to fluid bag
Fluid rate (mL/kg/h)
After calculating how much of the drug to add to the fluid bag, simply calculate the hourly (or drip) fluid rate specific for the patient using the fluid rate from the equation. When administered at this fluid rate, the patient will receive their fluids containing the CRI of the drug placed within the fluid bag. Fluid boluses are generally avoided using this fluid bag because it contains drugs that may not be ideal when administered as a bolus. In our profession there are likely endless tricks that each of us have that improves our patients’ comfort, delivery of their care, and ease of our job. Sharing what you have learned or discovered can advance the profession and the people that make up the profession. Gone are the days when anyone is singular. The veterinary profession has advanced to a place where teams are more powerful in providing the highest level of care, including involving and considering the pet’s owner as the caregiver, financer, and decision-maker. Share your tricks of the trade to advance the profession and make the next generation of veterinary technicians able to provide better care.
SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2024 | PROCEEDINGS | VETGIRLONTHERUN.COM
17
VETTECH U
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker