AGV 185 - Veterinary Surgical Nursing
Last Date of Approval: 05/2025
3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 30
Total Lab Hours: 30
Course Description:
This course provides veterinary technician students with the knowledge and skills required to assist in small animal surgery. Topics include aseptic technique, surgical preparation, instrumentation, anesthesia support, patient monitoring, and post-operative care. Students will gain practical experience through clinical labs.
Mode(s) of Instruction: Traditional/Face-to-Face
Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.
Course Fees: None
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Maintain aseptic technique and prepare the surgical suite, instruments, and personnel.
- Position, prepare, and monitor surgical patients safely and effectively.
- Identify and use surgical instruments, suture materials, and supplies appropriately.
- Assist with intraoperative procedures and respond to surgical complications.
- Provide comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative patient care.
- Maintain accurate surgical and anesthesia records.
Unit Objectives:
Unit 1: Introduction to Surgical Nursing and Roles of the Veterinary Technician
Objective 1: Describe the responsibilities of the surgical veterinary technician.
Objective 2: Understand legal and ethical implications of surgical assisting.
Objective 3: Explain the importance of communication, documentation, and teamwork.
Unit 2: Surgical Asepsis, Preparation, and Instrumentation
Objective 1: Define asepsis and describe potential sources of infection.
Objective 2: Prepare surgical packs, sterilize instruments, and monitor sterility indicators.
Objective 3: Identify and properly handle surgical instruments and equipment.
Objective 4: Prepare the surgical suite and organize instruments and supplies.
Objective 5: Safely clip, scrub, and position patients for common surgical procedures.
Objective 6: Maintain patient safety and comfort before and during surgery.
Unit 3: Intraoperative Assisting and Surgical Techniques
Objective 1: Assist the surgeon by anticipating needs and passing instruments.
Objective 2: Maintain sterility while managing suction, cautery, and sponges.
Objective 3: Support basic surgical techniques including hemostasis and tissue handling.
Unit 4: Suture Materials and Wound Closure
Objective 1: Identify types and uses of suture materials and needles.
Objective 2: Understand principles of wound healing and tension management.
Objective 3: Assist with wound closure techniques and recognize complications.
Unit 5: Postoperative Care and Patient Recovery
Objective 1: Monitor and assess surgical patients during recovery.
Objective 2: Provide pain management, nursing care, and discharge instructions.
Objective 3: Identify and document postoperative complications and recovery outcomes.
Unit 6: Specialty Surgical Procedures and Technician Roles
Objective 1: Recognize common soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures.
Objective 2: Understand technician roles and responsibilities in advanced surgeries.
Objective 3: Review pre- and post-operative care strategies for specialized procedures.
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