AGV 162 - Animal Nursing II

1. Understand advanced technical nursing procedures in emergency and critical care settings.
2. Recognize and respond appropriately to emergent patient conditions.
3. Understand use and maintenance of critical care and oxygen therapy equipment.
4. Implement isolation techniques and infection control protocols.
5. Understand nursing considerations in oncology, anesthesia, and shock management.

Course Objectives:

Unit 1: Emergency and Critical Care Instruments & Equipment

Objectives:

1. Identify and describe common instruments and monitors used in critical care.
2. Demonstrate appropriate use and maintenance of IV pumps, ECGs, pulse oximeters, and other common equipment.
3. Explain the purpose and setup of emergency crash carts.
4. Prepare and troubleshoot fluid pumps and syringe pumps.
5. Calibrate and clean monitoring devices per safety protocols.

Unit 2: Monitoring the Emergent and Critical Patient

Objectives:

1. Be able to accurately assess and record vital signs in critically ill patients.
2. Interpret patient trends and recognize deteriorating conditions.
3. Utilize pain scoring systems and triage protocols.
4. Calculate and assess fluid therapy and nutritional support.
5. Communicate changes effectively to the veterinary team.

Unit 3: Oxygen Therapy, High-Flow Oxygen, and Mechanical Ventilation

Objectives:

1. Compare types of oxygen delivery systems (mask, cage, nasal, high-flow).
2. Set up and monitor oxygen therapy equipment.
3. Describe principles of mechanical ventilation and technician responsibilities.
4. Recognize signs of oxygen toxicity and ventilator complications.
5. Define management of patients requiring assisted ventilation.

Unit 4: Emergency and Critical Care Anesthesia

Objectives:

1. Explain anesthetic considerations in critical patients.
2. Choose appropriate premedication and induction protocols for unstable patients.
3. Set up anesthesia machines and understand monitoring of high-risk patients intraoperatively.
4. Recognize and understand responses to anesthetic complications.
5. Document anesthesia records accurately and legally.

Unit 5: Shock and Resuscitation Management

Objectives:

1. Differentiate between hypovolemic, distributive, and cardiogenic shock.
2. Be able to initiate technician-appropriate interventions in shock cases.
3. Understand tasks associated with the RECOVER CPR guidelines.
4. Understand fluid resuscitation, colloids, and vasopressor use.
5. Participate in mock code scenarios and debriefs.

Unit 6: Infectious Disease and Isolation Nursing

Objectives:

1. Identify common contagious diseases requiring isolation.
2. Understand set up and manage an isolation unit using proper PPE and protocols.
3. Apply cleaning and disinfection standards per OSHA and AAHA guidelines.
4. Understand medication administration and monitoring of patients in isolation.
5. Educate clients about zoonotic risks and home isolation.

Unit 7: Oncology Nursing

Objectives:

1. Understand the role of the veterinary technician in oncology care.
2. Describe common types of cancer and diagnostic techniques.
3. Recognize side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
4. Understand cytotoxic agent administration following OSHA and EPA guidelines.
5. Understand palliative care and support for oncology patients and their owners.

Unit 8: Emergencies and Critical Conditions

Objectives:

1. Recognize and be able to initiate care for common emergent conditions (GDV, urethral obstruction, seizures, trauma).
2. Understand triage and stabilizing of patients using technician-appropriate skills.
3. Understand preparations for emergency procedures such as thoracocentesis or tracheostomy.
4. Collaborate with the veterinary team to prioritize interventions.
5. Maintain accurate emergency documentation and logs.