Veterinary Nursing Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Pronounce, define, spell all key terms in the chapter.

  • Understand the "Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare" and veterinary technician responsibilities.

  • Outline the four steps of the veterinary technician practice model: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

  • Explain SBAR communication and its role in patient care.

Freedoms of Animal Welfare

  • Freedom from hunger and thirst.

  • Freedom from discomfort.

  • Freedom from pain, injury, or disease.

  • Freedom to express normal behavior.

  • Freedom from fear and distress.

Veterinary Nurse Practice Model

  1. Assessment: Collect patient data, owner history, medical records, and consult veterinarians.

  2. Planning: Analyze data, identify actual and potential problems, and prioritize care needs.

  3. Implementation: Create and apply nursing care plans based on desired outcomes.

  4. Evaluation: Assess patient responses, revise care plans, and document all actions in SOAP format.

Small Animal Diseases

  • Etiology: Cause/origination of disease.

  • Pathogenesis: Mechanism of disease development (acute or chronic).

  • Clinical Signs: Observable symptoms of diseases.

Common Clinical Signs of Respiratory Disease

  • Nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing (hemoptysis), dyspnea, hypoxia.

Treatment Approaches for Respiratory Disease

  • Oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, surgical correction, drainage procedures.

Cardiovascular Disease Characteristics

  • Symptoms: Tachycardia, murmurs, heart failure indications.

  • Diagnosis: Via electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Treatment for Heart Conditions

  • Utilize medications like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, tailored dietary guidance.

Gastrointestinal Disease Overview

  • Involves conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and obstructions.

Urinary Disease Issues

  • Conditions include CKD, acute kidney injury, urolithiasis.

Endocrine Disease Summary

  • Conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus, emphasizing treatment approaches.

Immune System Diseases

  • Overview of immune-mediated diseases like hemolytic anemia and acquired myasthenia gravis.

Infectious Disease Understanding

  • Discuss the etiology, transmission modes, and strategies for prevention.

Infection Control Strategies

  • Includes sanitization procedures, effective vaccination strategies, and proper health measures for host protection.

Nursing Care for Infectious Diseases

  • Extensive supportive care required, focusing on monitoring and educating pet owners about transmission prevention strategies.