V T 56: SMALL ANIMAL NURSING II
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | V T 55. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate entry-level knowledge and competency in the basic principles of animal care and the essential medical and surgical nursing tasks required of the first year Veterinary Technology student.
- Demonstrate knowledge of phases of wound healing and proper management of traumatic and surgical wounds.
- Demonstrate required knowledge of and competently perform all relevant Essential Skills for the Veterinary Technician as required by Program Accreditation.
- Be able to read and understand food labels on pet food and discuss proper nutrition with pet owners.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. identify the various components of the ECG machine and record an artifact free diagnostic ECG tracing
B. explain the genesis of the electrocardiogram and recognize the components of the ECG
C. perform blood pressure monitoring using both Doppler and Oscillometric monitors
D. demonstrate technical competency in basic diagnostic skills
E. demonstrate technical competency in basic therapeutic skills
F. discuss the basic principles of fluid administration
G. place intravenous catheters
H. discuss intravenous catheter maintenance and troubleshooting
I. describe the phases of wound healing and exemplary wound care
J. demonstrate proper application of bandages and splints
K. identify common bandage material and explain fundamental principles of bandaging
L. apply simple bandages as required by accreditation
Course Content
A. identify the various components of the ECG machine and record an artifact free diagnostic ECG tracing
1. parts of the ECG machine
2. types of ECG machines
3. recording an ECG
a. artifacts
b. troubleshooting
c. patient position and tips
B. explain the genesis of the electrocardiogram and recognize the components of the ECG
1. genesis of the ECG
2. physiology of each wave
3. normal variations
4. artifacts
5. common abnormalities
C. diagnostic blood pressure
1. Doppler monitor
a. troubleshooting
b. patient positioning
c. parts
d. tips
2. Oscillometric monitor
a. troubleshooting
b. patient positioning
c. parts
d. tips
D. demonstrate technical competency in basic diagnostic skills
1. dermatologic skills
a. skin scraping
b. ectoparasite exam
c. dermatophyte test
d. allergy testing
e. ear cytology
2. ophthalmic skills
a. Schirmer tear test
b. fluorescein stain
c. tonopen
E. basic therapeutic skills
1. ear exam and ear cleaning
2. nail trim: dog, rabbit and cat
3. subcutaneous fluids
4. grooming dogs
5. grooming cats
6. anal sac expression
F. discuss the basic principles of fluid administration
1. fluid compartments in the animal body
2. oncotic pressure
3. assessment of dehydration
4. calculation
5. fluid selection
6. assessment of fluid needs
a. maintenance
b. ongoing losses
c. dehydration
d. rate
e. fluid pumps, drip rates
G. perform venipuncture
1. selection of vein
2. selection of syringe and needle
3. aseptic technique
4. blood collection
5. intravenous injections
H. discuss intravenous catheter maintenance and troubleshooting
1. intravenous catheter placement
a. selection of vein
b. selection of catheter
c. securing the catheter
2. aseptic technique
3. problems and how to solve them
I. describe the phases of wound healing and exemplary wound care
1. phases
2. triage
3. wound care techniques and tips
J. demonstrate proper application of bandages and splints
K. identify common bandage material and explain fundamental principles of bandaging
1. bandage materials
2. primary, secondary and tertiary layers
3. bandage technique and construction
L. apply simple bandages
1. modified Robert Jones
2. head bandage
3. body bandage
4. tail bandage
Lab Content
A. identify components of the ECG machine and record various ECG tracings on different species (dog, cat, human)
B. describe how to create an artifact free ECG tracing
C. perform intravenous catheterization on models
D. discuss IV catheter maintenance and troubleshooting
E. demonstrate proper application of bandages and splints
F. performance of common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used in small animal clinics
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Laboratory equipped with intravenous catheters, needles, syringes, injectable solutions, bandaging materials and splints, microscopes, clinical pathology supplies, live dogs, and cats and housing and handling facilities.
C. Vascular access models.
D. Injection models.
E. Expired medications used for teaching.
Method(s) of Evaluation
A. Written quizzes and examinations.
B. Written homework assignments.
C. Practical laboratory examinations based on standardized criteria.
D. Completion of an essential skills competency checklist using standard criteria appropriate to the topics practiced in this course.
Method(s) of Instruction
A. Lecture
B. Discussion
C. Cooperative learning exercises
D. Oral presentations
E. Laboratory activities: skills practice, demonstration
F. Online forum is used for homework and communication purposes
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Bassert, Joanna M., and Dennis M. McCurnin. Clinical Textbook For Veterinary Technicians. 9th ed. W. B. Saunders Co., 2018.
Loy, Kristin. Essential Clinical Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Bluedoor, 2018.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Weekly reading assignments from text, class handouts, and outside sources, ranging from 50-100 pages per week.
B. Written assignments, participation in online forum discussions may be required, short answer essay questions.