Small Animal Critical Care and Hospitalised Patient Nutrition
(other sum for less than 2 kg) can be used to calculate daily resting energy expenditure. The metabolic energy requirement (MER) is the amount of calories required for an animal in…
Nursing the Acute Abdomen Patient
Presentation and History The presenting clinical signs in acute abdomen cases vary enormously and depend on underlying pathology, the duration of the process and the temperament of the patient. Some…
Vascular Access
Arterial vascular access allows the direct measurement of arterial blood pressure, and the sampling of arterial blood for blood gas measurements. Planning Intravenous Access The most suitable type of intravenous…
Nursing the Trauma Patient
Figure 14.2 Feline patient with a flail segment as a result of a dog bite injury. Blunt trauma to the chest commonly results in lung contusions. Rarely, rib fractures may cause…
Techniques for Oxygen Supplementation
Oxygen Supplementation Techniques Room air has an inspired oxygen concentration of approximately 21% at sea level. Oxygen supplementation aims to increase this percentage. Several techniques exist, each of which have…
Practical Laboratory Techniques
Figure 7.2 Veterinary nurse carrying out buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) in house. Figure 7.3 In house viral testing kit for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Packed Cell…
Nursing the Dyspnoeic Patient
Gaining intravenous access allows administration of drugs, fluids and, if necessary, allows intravenous anaesthesia to be rapidly administered; this may be necessary if the patient decompensates and endotracheal intubation to…
Nursing Urinary Tract Emergencies
Stabilisation Urinary tract obstruction or leakage of urine will usually result in azotaemia, hyperkalaemia, acidosis and often hypovolaemia. Hypovolaemic animals need volume resuscitation with an isotonic crystalloid to correct hypoperfusion….
Nursing the Poisoned Patient
Many poisons do not have a specific antidote, or a specific treatment, but close observation and careful supportive care can make all the difference. Reducing Absorption If the toxin has…
Nursing the Cardiac Patient
DyspnoeaCrackles on auscultationOpen mouth breathingCough* Muffled lung soundsPale or cyanotic mucous membranes Cardiovascular system Muffled heart soundsTachycardiaBradycardiaIrregular rhythm and pulse deficitsGallop rhythm† Murmurs‡ Weak pulsesJugular distension and pulsationSlow CRT CNS…
