Clinical Procedures in Veterinary Nursing

1.Handling and restraint of the patient -restraint for examination -restraint of the struggling/aggressive dog -use of the tape muzzle -correct lifting -transportation of injured animals -administration of medicines -correct restraint for subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular injections etc -oral dosing -application of topical drugs 2.Measuring clinical parameters -measuring the respiratory rate. -taking the pulse rate/heart rate -taking the temperature -capillary refill time -use of the pulse oximeter -use of the oesophageal stethoscope -blood sampling techniques -use and maintenance of the ECG machine 3.Medical nursing procedures - routine observation - nursing the patient with:- diarrhoea -vomiting -paraplegia/recumbent -epilepsy -diabetes mellitus -renal failure -cardiac failure -use of enemata -barrier nursing -physiotherapy techniques -catheterization techniques -cystocentesis -peritoneal dialysis 4.Techniques used for the administration of fluids -enteral methods - nasogastric, pharyngostomy, gastrostomy tubes -parenteral methods - iv, ip, s/c, intraosseus -monitoring fluid therapy. 5.Anaesthesia -intubation -use of a mask -checking the anaesthetic machine -anaesthetic circuits -monitoring anaesthesia 6.Theatre practice -sterilization methods -gloving and gowning -preparation of the operation site - prep of the skin, draping. -preparation of the trolley -care and maintenance of surgical instruments -care of surgical equipment - cryosurgery, diathermy, endoscopes. 7.Surgical nursing procedures -wound management -bandaging techniques -drainage -fracture management 8.First Aid procedures -control of haemorrhage -burns and scalds -respiratory arrest - resuscitation techniques -cardiac arrest -poisoning -injuries to the body systems -insect bites and stings -electrocution. 9.Diagnostic imaging techniques -care of intensifying screens -loading and unloading cassettes -checking for accuracy of light beam diaphragm -checking for even film-screen contact in the cassette -darkroom procedures -maintenance of processing tanks -maintenance of automatic processors -loading the hanger - clip and channel -use of common contrast media -positioning -labelling -care of ultrasound machine 10.Laboratory procedures -techniques used in haematology eg blood smear, PCV, red/white cell count -blood biochemistry -urinalysis -faecal analysis -skin scrapings and coat brushings -preparation of slides for bacteriology 11.Nursing procedures used in exotic species - rodents, rabbits, reptiles and birds -handling and restraint -routes for the administration of medicines -anaesthetic techniques -measurement of clinical parameters.