Content
Anesthesia
Patient Management
Skill: Safely and effectively manage and maintain patients in all phases of anesthesia.
- Calculate dosages of appropriate anesthetic-related drugs
- Administer anesthetic-related drugs (injection, endotracheal tube, mask)
- Place endotracheal tubes in patients
- Utilize clinical signs and appropriate equipment to monitor patient status during anesthetic procedures* (e.g., esophageal stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, capnometer, electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter)
- Evaluate patient and implement pain management protocols as directed
- Recognize and respond appropriately to patients in compromised states
- Perform appropriate resuscitation procedures as needed (e.g., calculate and administer appropriate anesthetic antagonists and emergency drugs as directed)
- Complete controlled substance log* (does not need to be official controlled substance log; mock logs may be utilized)
- Record and maintain anesthesia records
Decision-making abilities: Given the characteristics of the anesthetized patient and the procedure being performed, the veterinary technician will work with the veterinarian to:
- Assess the patient's risk status and determine appropriate anesthetic and perianesthetic protocols to provide effective pain management and maximum anesthetic safety and effectiveness.
- 3. Choose and utilize appropriate techniques and equipment to accurately and effectively monitor the patient's ongoing status before, during and after anesthesia to provide for adequate anesthesia, analgesia and a safe recovery.
Equipment/Facility Management
Skill: Safely and effectively select, utilize and maintain anesthetic delivery and monitoring instruments and equipment.
- Maintain and operate anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment:
- Pulse oximeter and capnometer*
- Esophageal stethoscope*
- Electrocardiograph (e.g., recognize abnormal rhythms/audible sounds, properly apply leads)*
- Anesthetic machines, including rebreathing systems, non-rebreathing systems and masks*
- Endotracheal tubes*
- Resuscitation bag*
- Scavenging systems*
- Oxygen sources*
- Respiratory monitors*
- Blood pressure monitoring devices*
- Laryngoscopes*
- Ventilator
- Defibrillator
- Temperature monitoring device* (e.g. thermometer, etc.)
Decision-making abilities: Given the characteristics of the anesthetic instruments and equipment being used, the veterinary technician will recognize and respond appropriately to equipment malfunctions or inappropriate equipment setup to ensure proper function and provide maximum benefit to ensure safety of the patient and staff.
Decision-making abilities: Given the requirements of the anesthetic protocol, the veterinary technician will select, evaluate and adjust equipment to ensure proper function and provide maximum benefit to ensure safety of the patient and staff.