A grade of 75% or above is required to pass lecture with a C.  The first lab score of less than 80%, student will be given a written warning, 2nd will be placed on probation, 3rd student could be dropped.  Lab average of less than 80% will result in an unsuccessful class grade.  Grade of D is allowed for ACC records, but will disqualify student for progression through the program.  Due to the nature of the program, you would not be able to take the class again until the following academic year – based on readmission criteria in student handbook.

This class has essential skills associated with it. These are set by our accrediting body, the CVTEA. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that these skills are successfully completed in the presence of program faculty and documented in Salthouse by the end of the semester.

Before a student may progress to a subsequent semester, the student must demonstrate proficiency in the essential skill(s) required of each class.  Duplicate essential skills requirements may be present in multiple classes or semesters, and students may be required to demonstrate proficiency in essential skills multiple times.  At the sole discretion of the instructor, exceptions to the above requirements may be granted in the event that insufficient time exists to adequately teach one or more essential skill. If a student fails to complete any assigned skill for the semester, the case will be reviewed by the instructor(s) and program chair to determine student progression.

METHOD OF EVALUATION:   

10% Kennel duty

30% Laboratory

15% Assignments/quizzes

35% Exams

10% Final

TEXTBOOK:

Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians, 5th ed., John A. Thomas & Philip Lerche.

Small Animal Surgical Nursing – Skills and Concepts, 4th edition, Marianne Tear

** The most up-to-date syllabus is located on Blackboard!

COURSE Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Calculate dosages of appropriate anesthetic-related drugs
2. Administer peri-anesthetic drugs by appropriate routes.
3. Place endotracheal tubes in patients when appropriate
4. Utilize clinical signs and appropriate equipment to monitor patient status during anesthetic procedures. Be able to maintain and operate anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment:

            - pulse oximeter                                  - electrocardiograph  

            - esophageal stethoscope                   - scavenging systems

            - respiratory monitors                         - resuscitation bag

            - endotracheal tubes                           - oxygen sources

            - laryngoscopes

            - blood pressure monitoring devices                                     

- anesthetic machines, including rebreathing systems, non-rebreathing systems induction chambers and masks

1. Properly identify and position patients for surgical procedures.
2. Prepare surgical site using aseptic techniques
3. Evaluate, coordinate (w/ surgical team), and implement pain management protocols
4. Recognize and respond appropriately to patients in compromised states
5. Perform appropriate resuscitation procedures as needed (e.g., calculate and administer appropriate anesthetic antagonists and emergency drugs as directed)
6. Complete controlled substance log

11. Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in a variety of animal species.

12. Provide proper operating room conduct, asepsis and post-op cleaning.

13. Patient assessment:

            - organize medical records/consent forms

            - review pre-operative evaluation

            - coordinate anesthesia

14. Prepare surgical instruments and supplies (including gowns, drapes and other materials).

15. Operate and maintain autoclaves

16. Provide surgical assistance:

            - demonstrate proper operating room conduct and asepsis

            - assist with care of exposed tissues and organs

            - properly pass instruments and supplies

            - operate and maintain suction and cautery machines

            - understand the principles of operation and maintenance of fiber optic equipment

            - keep operative records

            - perform basic suturing techniques

17. Sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods

18. Provide post-operative care:

            - pain management                                         - bandaging

            - fluid therapy                                                 - discharge instructions

            - adequate nutrition                                       - suture removal

            - wound management

19. Identify common suture materials, types, and sizes

20. Identify and know proper use for instruments

21. Have knowledge of routine surgical procedures and related equipment, including surgeries in these categories:

            - ovariohysterectomy             

            - onychectomy                       

            - tail docking

            - cesarean section                              

            - laparotomies                        

            - prolapsed organs

            - orthopedic procedures                    

            - orchiectomy             

            - dystocia

22.       Have participated in surgeries in these categories:

            - ovariohysterectomy – dog, cat        

            - orchiectomy – dog, cat