HomeMy WebLinkAboutVET-219Bergen Community College
The School of Health Professions
Veterinary Technology Program
Syllabus-VET-219
Course Title: Surgical Assistance and Anesthesia
Course Number: VET-219
Program Affiliation: Veterinary Technology
Credits: 3
Classroom Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Admission into the professional segment of the Veterinary
Technology Program
Course Description:
Surgical nursing will include in-depth discussion and hands on experience with hygiene of the
surgical suite and surgical prep room, asepsis, surgical instruments, and sterilization. The student
will learn the basics of animal anesthesia as used in surgical procedures. It includes drugs and
equipment for anesthetic administration, recovery, and emergencies, along with management of
these preparations. We will also provide the student with in-depth coverage of preoperative and
postoperative patient care.
Course Goals:
To introduce the student to the concepts of asepsis, sanitation, sterilization and disinfection
To enable the student to properly prepare surgical equipment and supplies, including
instruments, suture materials, gowns, masks, gloves and drapes
To instruct the student in the appropriate methods of sterilization of surgical equipment and
supplies, and the operation and maintenance of autoclaves
To familiarize the student with the various surgical instruments and their usage
To enable the student to identify common suture materials, types and sizes
To teach the student to position patients for common surgical procedures and prepare
surgical sites using aseptic techniques
To instruct the student in proper operating room sanitation and care
To teach the student to assist with routine surgical and/or obstetrical procedures
To familiarize the student with the importance of keeping thorough operative and anesthetic
records
To enable the student to assist with anesthesia under supervision through calculation and
administration of preoperative medications, induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
and monitoring of the patient during anesthesia
To teach the student to recognize anesthetic emergencies and take the proper actions to
alleviate them
To familiarize the student with the operation, care and maintenance of the anesthetic machine
To instruct the student in the care and management of the post-operative patient
To teach the student to perform post-surgical clean-up of the surgical suite
To introduce the student to the proper procedure for suture removal
Performance Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
I. Surgical Nursing Objectives:
Discuss the meaning of aseptic technique, state the means by which infectious
particles are transmitted and the means of controlling transmission
Describe the possible consequences of disregarding aseptic technique in the
performance of surgical duties
List the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods of controlling
microbes in the surgical area
Select the most advantageous method of microbe control for application in a given
circumstance
Describe the cumulative effect of consistent and repetitive application of control
procedures in maintaining acceptably low levels of microbes
Apply a knowledge of aseptic procedures to the routine maintenance of the
surgical area
Describe the procedure for donning the sterile surgical gown and gloves
List the steps involved in the routine surgical skin preparation of a patient
Demonstrate the procedure for wrapping surgical packs
Describe the sequence of steps in the performance of the surgical scrub
Demonstrate the ability to place a patient in the basic surgical positions
Identify the sterile boundaries for scrubbed vs. unscrubbed personnel in the
operating room
Apply the rules of conduct for maintaining sterility before and during surgical
procedures
Identify the duties for each area of responsibility for surgical procedures
Discuss how the design and maintenance of a surgical area ensures patient safety by
preventing cross-contamination
Name the basic equipment used in each room of the surgical area
List the guidelines for conduct to be observed in the operating room to prevent fire and
explosion
Identify selected surgical instruments
Describe the function of selected surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies
Recognize several types and sizes of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures
Select instruments for inclusion in basic instrument packs
Apply the knowledge of the care and handling of surgical instruments and
supplies to the performance of the duties of a surgical technician
List the seven general functions to be performed by the technician before any
surgical procedure
List the indications for neutering dogs and cats
Demonstrate knowledge of routine surgical procedures
List the ten general signs to observe in the animal recovering from surgery
Describe the difference between first intention wound healing and second
intention wound healing
Restate the clinical signs, classifications, and treatment of shock
Demonstrate an understanding of the proper restraint of trauma patients
Explain the primary objectives and sequence of events in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
Recognize and describe the various causes and presenting signs of respiratory
emergencies
Demonstrate the application of knowledge of the four spinal functions to
evaluate the spinal trauma patient
Identify the causes and treatment of anesthetic emergencies from among the major
categories
Define the principles of evaluating ophthalmic emergencies
Describe the postoperative nursing care of gastrointestinal patients
List the major urinary emergencies
Tell the signs of impending dystocia
II. Anesthetic Nursing Objectives
Define the term pre-anesthetic period
Understand the reasons for patient evaluation
Understand the need for obtaining a proper history, know how to take a complete
history, and know what pitfalls may be encountered when taking a history
List the information that makes up the minimum data base for a patient
Understand the rationale for obtaining the owner’s consent for anesthesia
State the parameters of a proper physical examination
Understand the importance of species, breed, weight, and obesity as they relate to the use and
choice of anesthetic drugs
State the five physical classifications of patients as specified by the American
Society of Anesthesiologists
Describe the various aspects of pre-anesthetic preparation including choice of
protocol, fasting, rationale for IV catheterization, and types of IV solutions that can be used
and why they might be chosen
State which pre-anesthetic agents are commonly used, the rationale for their use, their mode
of action and effects on the body, and the associated adverse side effects
Define or explain the terms general anesthesia, tachypnea, induction,
hyperventilation, apneustic breathing, hypostatic congestion, reticular activating
center, hypertension, hypotension, and central venous pressure
Identify or describe the components of general anesthesia, including the various stages and
planes
Understand the techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of IV, IM, and
inhalation anesthesia
Describe the technique of endotracheal intubation and understand the advantages and
disadvantages of this procedure
State the rationale for monitoring an anesthetized patient and know the various
parameters that should be monitored
Understand the concept of safety as it relates to general anesthetics
Describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of inhalation
anesthetic agents
List the barbiturate and dissociative anesthetic drugs that may be used as general
anesthetics and be familiar with the following information regarding each agent: mode of
action, effect on body systems, factors that may promote their uptake by the brain, route of
elimination from the body, and adverse side effects
List the various inhalation anesthetic agents that are available for use and the
advantages and disadvantages of each agent
Describe the pharmacological properties of halothane, isofluorane, methoxyfluorane, and
nitrous oxide
Explain the concepts of uptake, distribution, and elimination of the commonly used
inhalation anesthetic agents
Define and explain the significance of minimum alveolar concentration, vapor
pressure, solubility (partition) coefficient, and rubber solubility
Identify equipment that is used for the induction and maintenance of general
anesthesia in the dog or cat
Differentiate among the various types of endotracheal tubes and list the
advantages and disadvantages of each
List the advantages and disadvantages of cuffed versus non-cuffed tubes
Describe the functions and components of an anesthetic machine
Trace the flow of a carrier gas, such as oxygen, through an anesthetic machine and patient
breathing circuit
State the difference between a rebreathing and a non-rebreathing system with regard to
equipment, air flow pattern, and indications for use
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of both rebreathing and
nonrebreathing systems
Differentiate between a precision and non-precision vaporizer, and recognize the
advantages and disadvantages of each
Describe both the short-term and long-term effects of waste anesthetic gas on the
operating room personnel
Recognize ways in which the release of waste anesthetic gases may be minimized
Describe proper procedures for handling and transporting compressed gas
cylinders
Describe ways in which errors in anesthetic administration may be prevented or
corrected
Explain the role that the veterinary technician can take in emergency care
Give reasons why anesthetic emergencies occur, including problems arising from
human error, equipment failure, adverse effects of anesthetic agents, and
variations in patient status and breed
Explain the appropriate action to be taken in response to common emergencies,
including cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest
Define or explain the terms local analgesia, line block, nerve block, epidural
anesthesia, controlled ventilation, assisted ventilation, manual ventilation, and
mechanical ventilation
Understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of local
analgesic agents
Understand the various ways in which analgesic agents may be administered,
including topical, infiltration, regional, epidural, and intravenous routes
Describe the technique for performing an epidural block, and list the clinical
situations in which this block could be used
Understand the risks involved and the adverse side effects that may be
manifested with the use of local analgesic agents
Explain the difference between assisted and controlled ventilation
Understand the techniques of assisted and controlled ventilation and their
application to canine and feline anesthesia
Course Materials:
Primary:
Thomas, J: Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians 4th ed, St. Louis,
2011, Mosby-Year Book, Inc.
McCurnin, DK: Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 4th ed,
Philadelphia, 1998, W.B. Saunders
Additional handouts
Teaching Methodologies:
The teaching methodologies employed in this course include lecture, class discussion, practical
“hands-on” laboratories, log maintenance, clinical site visits, audiovisual presentations, the
review of individual case studies, and student participation through brainstorming and critical
thinking. Laboratory sessions will be held at County College of Morris and at sites off-campus,
including privately owned veterinary hospitals and referral institutions.
Lecture Grading Criteria
There will be announced and unannounced quizzes, which will cover material from lecture
presentations, discussion or outside assignments. Unit tests may be given at times mutually
agreed upon by the students and the instructor, and a final exam will be scheduled. Students are
expected to take exams as scheduled. Students who miss exams must present a bonafided excuse,
in writing, and arrange to make up the exam within one week of the scheduled exam time.
Failure to do so will result in a grade of 0 for that exam. Grades from these exams and the final
will be averaged for 60% of the final course grade.
Grade Distribution:
Quizzes 25%
Unit Exams 25%
Assignments 25%
Cumulative Final 25%
Laboratory Grading Criteria
The laboratory grade will be based on attendance and participation in the laboratory sessions.
Each student will be required to wear a clean, pressed, white lab coat or smock or surgical scrubs
during laboratory sessions. A mandatory requirement for completing this course involves
submission of a logbook that documents performance or exposure to the essential and
recommended task list. Laboratory sessions will have numerous written, oral, and practical
quizzes. The laboratory portion of the course will count for 50% of the final course grade.
Lecture Attendance Policy:
Attendance and classroom participation are of utmost importance. Students are expected to be
present and on time for all classes. If you must miss a class, I expect that you will either let me
know in advance or contact me immediately after the absence. Whether you are late or absent for
a particular class, you are responsible for all material covered in your absence. This material
should be obtained from a classmate. No more than 3 lectures can be missed. This will result in
an automatic INC for the class.
Laboratory Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Missing more than (2) lab sessions will result in an automatic failure.
Labs cannot be made up.
Instructor Absence:
A substitute professor may teach the class, if available. If I need to cancel class, I will make
every attempt to notify you in advance. In cases of emergency, please wait 15 minutes at the
classroom door before leaving.
Student Accommodations:
Students who require accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can
request support services from the Office of Specialized Services of Bergen Community College,
Room S – 153, Pitkin Education Center, 201- 612 – 5270 or
http://www.bergen.edu/pages/676.asp.
Topical Outline:
Sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection
Aseptic technique
Surgical instrument identification, care and use
Preanesthetic patient evaluation
Pharmacology of anesthetic agents
Anesthetic waste gases and personal safety
Anesthetic equipment and its maintenance
Surgical preparation of equipment and patient
Intraoperative patient monitoring and ventilatory support
Surgical assistance and suture materials
General principles of surgical nursing
Wound healing and basic wound management principles
Common surgical procedures
Orthopedic surgery
Anesthetic emergencies
Postoperative patient monitoring and analgesia
Postoperative cleanup of the surgical suite
Client education and postoperative care