wk 6 Nursing Skills and Patient Care

Role of Veterinary Assistants

• Veterinary Assistants play a pivotal role in caring for patients in the hospital, providing support to the veterinarian and ensuring animal comfort.

Responsibilities

• Veterinarian's Role: Responsible for diagnosing illnesses, performing procedures, and prescribing medications and treatments.

• Veterinary Technician: Implements the veterinarian's instructions, assisting during procedures as necessary.

• Veterinary Assistant Duties:

  • Ensure patients are clean and comfortable during their hospital stay.

  • Record daily observations about each patient's condition.

Patient Interaction

• The veterinary assistant enjoys the unique opportunity of spending the most time with the patients, fostering strong bonds and providing care.

Patient Admission

• Reasons for Admission: Patients may be admitted for various reasons, including:

  • Metabolic Conditions or Surgery: Non-contagious conditions (e.g., kidney disease, heart disease).

  • Airborne or Respiratory Infections: Contagious within the same species; requires isolation (e.g., kennel cough).

  • Vector-Borne Infections: Transmitted by intermediaries (e.g., heartworm).

  • Contact Infections: Spread by direct contact or contamination (e.g., MRSA).

Admission Process

• Upon admission, each patient should be assigned a name tag that includes:

  • Owner's name

  • Pet's name, breed, color, and age

• Ensure the name tag corresponds with the patient prior to beginning treatments.

Patient Identification and Paperwork

• Cage Card: Must match the identification tag and includes relevant patient information.

• Treatment Plan: Created by the veterinarian and may involve:

  • Written instructions indicating treatments and schedules.

  • May be provided in paper or electronically through management software.

Patient Housing

• Cage Size Requirements:

  • Dogs must be housed in cages where they can stand and turn comfortably, larger dogs should be kept in runs.

  • Cats need sufficient space for a litter box and a separate sleeping area.

Bedding and Hygiene

• Bedding Requirements:

  • Provide clean bedding appropriate for the patient's size.

  • Regular checks for soiling and cleanliness are essential, especially for patients on IV fluids.

Litter Box Management

• Cats should have separate areas for litter and food, using covered boxes that provide security and limit stimuli.

Observation and Recording

• Daily Observations: Veterinary assistants must monitor patients, noting:

  • Urinary and bowel eliminations

  • Appetite changes

  • Overall attitude and behavior.

Patient Elimination Notes

• Observations should include:

  • Time of elimination

  • Quantity and consistency

  • Any pain or discomfort exhibited by the patient during elimination.

Feeding Procedures

• Feeding Responsibilities:

  • Follow the treatment plan regarding meal preparation and special diets.

• Types of diets may include:

  • Soft food for dental issues, low protein for kidney problems, bland diets for gastrointestinal distress, and maintenance diets for stable patients.

Food Preparation Guidelines

• Start with small portions to assess patient appetite, and remove uneaten food within an hour.

Cage Cleaning Protocols

• Cages should be cleaned as needed, ensuring no residual waste remains.

• Disinfection Procedures:

  • Use appropriate disinfectants, observe PPE requirements, and follow strict protocols for handling soiled materials.

Infection Control Protocols

• Follow strict isolation protocols using PPE when assisting infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Techniques

• Cleaning: Utilizes soap and water to reduce organisms.

• Disinfecting: Uses concentrated agents to eliminate pathogens effectively.

• Sterilization: Utilizes methods like autoclaving to ensure all organisms are killed.

Disinfectant Usage

• Understand the difference between -cidal and -static disinfectants, and the importance of proper dilution and usage according to label directions.

Hospital Maintenance Procedures

• Conduct routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure a hygienic environment for both patients and staff.