Animal Nursing and Patient Care
Nursing Assessment
Patient care begins with a thorough assessment: history, vital signs, body condition score, hydration status, mucous membrane color, and pain evaluation. Understand the components of a physical examination and the normal parameters for common species.
Nursing Interventions
Know how to perform and monitor fluid therapy, administer medications by various routes, manage wounds and bandages, and provide nutritional support. Understand the principles of asepsis, catheter care, and the prevention of hospital-acquired infections.
Species-Specific Care
Different species have distinct needs: cats are obligate carnivores with unique nutritional requirements; rabbits and guinea pigs require dietary fiber and cannot vomit; birds have high metabolic rates. Recognize the signs of stress and fear in each species and adapt handling accordingly.
Traps to Watch
Questions often test normal values (e.g., temperature ranges) or ask about a nursing action that seems helpful but is contraindicated, such as withholding water from a dehydrated patient or feeding a vomiting patient.
Worked Example
A postoperative patient is tachycardic with pale gums and prolonged capillary refill. The correct nursing response is to assess for hemorrhage or hypovolemia and notify the veterinarian, not simply to increase pain medication.
Rule of Thumb
Assess before intervening: vital signs and perfusion guide every nursing action.