Veterinary Patient Discharge

Flashcards for veterinary patient discharge procedures.

What are the key purposes of a veterinary patient discharge appointment?

To return the patient to the owner's care, advise on medications and their uses, post-procedure monitoring, follow-up appointments, post-procedure care, and what to do in case of concerns.

What basic principles should protocols cover when planning for patient discharge?

Planning the discharge date and time early, identifying simple or complex discharge needs, reviewing the clinical management plan regularly, coordinating the discharge process, confirming necessary information provision, and confirming provision of required medicines or items.

What should senior veterinary surgeons ensure regarding discharge and care transfer?

Efficient systems and processes are in place to support discharge and care transfer, and that all staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Who decides if an animal is clinically fit to be discharged?

A veterinary surgeon.

What should you do before initiating the discharge appointment with the owner?

Complete a final physical examination of the patient and gather information from the veterinary team and clinical notes.

What information should be gathered when preparing for discharge?

Read the clinical notes, ensure everything has been priced according to protocol, handover from nurse monitoring, discuss home care plan with vet, check/dispense medications.

What aspects are involved in a pre-discharge physical examination?

Head to toe check, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, check IV catheter removal, bandages/dressings, surgical wounds, and pain score.

What steps are involved in initiating the discharge appointment with the owner?

Greet the owner, confirm identity, confirm pet identity, reassure that the procedure went well and explain you will go through aftercare instructions, invite into a consultation room.

What communication considerations should be made for clients during discharge instructions?

Consider communication needs (hearing/sight), provide verbal and written instructions, and consider audio instructions, videos, or electronic copies.

What anaesthesia-related information should be provided to the owner?

How smoothly the anaesthetic went, recovery details, how long they might be sleepier, possible side effects (e.g., nausea), IV catheter placement details, and potential ET tube cough.

What advice should be given regarding food and water post-procedure?

Ensure clean water is available, feed normal food little and often for the first 24-48 hours, avoid treats, and if inappetent, try warming food. Contact practice if no eating occurs within 24 hours.

What post-operative activity advice should be given to owners?

Bring them home directly, let them rest in a quiet room, avoid picking them up, block jumping access, walks on a lead, and specific exercise advice based on the procedure.

What wound care instructions should be provided?

Prevent interference with a cone or bodysuit, check the wound for issues a few times a day, show the client the wound, and not cleaning/applying creams unless advised.

What are the key aspects of bandage care advice?

Check bandage daily for slipping, chewing, wetness, smell, rubbing, or swelling. Protect bandage from getting wet or dirty. Must seek veterinary care: Do not reapply if issues arise; contact the practice.

What medication instructions should be clearly communicated?

When to give, how often, when to start, how long to give for, how to give (by mouth, before/after food), side effects, and demonstrate liquid medication drawing.

What follow-up appointment protocols are commonly used?

Re-check around 3 days post-surgery and suture removal 10-14 days post-surgery. Book appointments before the client leaves.

What situations would require immediate veterinary attention post-discharge?

Extreme tiredness, low energy for over 48 hours, pain or discomfort, toileting problems, excessive wound issues, vomiting/diarrhea (if blood), or refusing to eat for over 24 hours (less for rabbits/guinea pigs).

What are the final steps when wrapping up the discharge appointment?

Bring the patient out, show the wound/bandage, confirm follow-up appointments, confirm contact details, and provide a chance for final questions.

What should be emphasized when clients are feeling overwhelmed by information?

Check understanding at each stage, give written/alternative format instructions, and reiterate that they can always contact the practice with questions.