COURSE: VETA 1201 Introduction to Clinical Procedures CRN: CREDIT HOURS (Lecture/Lab/Total): 3/0/3 CONTACT HOUR (Lecture/Lab/Total): 45/0/45 INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION Name: Email: Phone: Office: Office Hours: Class Location: online COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides information on basic knowledge and skills needed to work in a clinical setting. Emphasis will be on pharmacy and pharmacology, radiology, surgical nursing and anesthesia basics, and laboratory and clinical pathology procedures PREREQUISITES: Admission into applicable program. It is recommended that this class be taken with or prior to VETA 1205 Fundamentals of Veterinary Assistant II. LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students must demonstrate ability to meet the following technical/performance standards while receiving instruction outlined in each course syllabus: Read and communicate orally and in writing using the English language Hear with or without auditory aids to understand normal speaking voice without viewing the speakers face Visually, with or without corrective lenses, observe behaviors of animals and changes in animal s condition as well as actively participate in the learning process Handle animals in a safe and humane manner outlined in the courses Utilize stamina, strength and psychomotor coordination necessary to perform routine nursing procedures as dictated in all areas of the clinical setting Demonstrate use of gross and fine motor skills necessary to provide independent, safe, and effective nursing care of patients Solve problems and apply critical thinking skills while providing safe and efficient patient care Interact with individuals from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds Adapt and function in a multi stressor environment while adhering to legal/ethical guidelines of the school, veterinary medical associations (i.e. practice act in Louisiana), and clinical agencies
ASSESSMENT MEASURES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to, with a minimum of 70% accuracy: An Introduction to Pharmacy and Pharmacology: Administration and Dispensing Prepare medications; label and package dispensed drugs correctly* Familiarity with the names of commonly used agents Understanding of veterinary terminology and abbreviations used in medication orders and prescriptions Properly prepare drugs in prescribed form, dose, concentration, and volume Accurately perform appropriate dosage calculations, correctly using weights and measurements Create and affix complete, legible prescription drug labels to containers of dispensed drugs including all necessary information and warning labels Read and follow veterinarian s pharmacy orders* both written and verbal Understanding of the meanings of the terms dose, concentration, volume, and dosage Knowledge of terms used in medication orders, including abbreviations, and applies them correctly in the clinical setting Recognize the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered; recognize and explain common side effects* Knowledge of equipment used for administration Knowledge of diluents and proper mixing Knowledge of recommended sites and routes of administration for individual vaccines and proper recording in the patient record Knowledge of vaccination reactions and ability to identify and respond Accurately perform appropriate calculations; use weights and measures correctly* Understand relevant measurement systems, including metric, apothecary and household systems Convert between systems of measurement Calculation of drug reconstitutions, drug volumes, and drug dosages Measure out doses of both enteral and parenteral medications Demonstrate the ability to accurately record medical information* Record information in patient s record including drug, dose, route, site, when and by whom Use correct drug names and abbreviations where appropriate Demonstrate understanding of regulations governing maintenance of controlled substances log books* Define the terms controlled and scheduled drug and demonstrate practical knowledge of the classification of controlled drugs into five schedules Identify common controlled drugs used therapeutically in veterinary practice and correctly classify them Comply with all state and federal regulations inventorying scheduled drugs Record each use both in the controlled substance inventory log and in the patient s medical record Demonstrate compliance with all federal regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control (e.g., biologics and therapeutic agents, pesticides, and hazardous wastes)* Accurate identification and differentiation of drugs, biologics, pesticides, insecticides, and hazardous wastes The role of the FDA, USDA, DEA, and EPA in the state and federal regulations pertaining to these substances Application of this knowledge in a clinical setting Perform inventory control procedures as required by regulatory agencies Demonstrate compliance with regulations governing prescription drugs versus over-the-counter drugs* Understanding of the concept that all drugs are associated with potential hazardous or undesirable effects
Awareness that prescription drugs must only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian Understanding of FDA labeling and extra-label use Awareness of federal regulations regarding the compounding of drugs for use in animals Relay drug information to clients (e.g., handling, storage, administration, side-effects, drug interactions, safety, reasons for use of drug)* Demonstrate adequate knowledge of commonly used therapeutic agents Communicate necessary drug information to clients in a manner that maximizes client understanding, compliance with prescribed therapy and safety for both client and patient Introduction to Surgical Nursing and Anesthesia Properly identify patients and surgical procedures* Confirm patient identity and make certain they correctly match scheduled procedure Understand the use of records, signalment and animal ID methods Organize medical records/consent forms* Understand organization and appropriate entries in medical records using appropriate medical terms and abbreviations Prepare surgical site using aseptic technique* Understand the need to minimize microbial flora on skin at surgical site in order to decrease surgical wound contamination Understand appropriate uses and advantages and disadvantages of different surgical scrubs and topical antiseptic solutions Knowledge of the use and maintenance of clippers for surgical site preparation, including proper technique for clipping hair for common surgical procedures Understand appropriate location for clipping and scrubbing the surgical patient, including the initial prep and the final prep Demonstrate proper scrubbing technique Position patient for common procedures* Demonstrate proper restraint techniques for the anesthetized patient, including during endotracheal intubation Proper use of positioning devices Understand positioning in relationship to maintaining a patent airway, connection of monitoring devices, and the sterile field Adjustment of the surgical table and lights to meet the needs of the surgeon and procedure Use of appropriate barriers between patient and surgery table Provide surgical assistance* as the circulating nurse (non-sterile personnel) Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis* Understand proper personal hygiene appropriate for the operating room Understand proper surgical attire for all people entering the operating room Understand the difference between sterile and non-sterile personnel Knowledge of appropriate operating room conduct including how to pass other people and objects in the room Properly pass instruments and supplies* Correctly identify common surgical instruments, appropriate terminology, and use Correctly distinguish sterile from non sterile instruments and supplies Non-sterile personnel properly open surgical packs and items and pass them to sterile personnel maintaining strict sterile technique Operate and maintain suction and cautery machines* Understand proper set up and checking for functionality
Understand necessary parts and attachments Understand proper cleaning, disinfection, and/or sterilization of various parts Understand safety concerns associated with the use of cautery and suction devices Understand principles of operation and maintenance of fiber optic equipment* Familiarity with different types of scopes Understand basic set up of fiber optic equipment including scopes, camera, and computer software Understand proper care and cleaning and sterilizing methods Knowledge of use during a procedure Understand potential dangers associate with fiber optic procedures Keep operative records* Understand surgical logs and/or flow sheets for each procedure Prepare surgical instruments and supplies* Familiar with common surgical instruments and correct terminology Knowledge of instruments required for common surgical procedures and correctly prepare packs Demonstrate proper care and cleaning of instruments prior to sterilization Knowledge of appropriate wrap materials Properly assemble and wrap packs with appropriate sterilization indicators, sterilization tape, and labeling Prepare gowns, masks, gloves, and drapes* Understand different types Assist the sterile personnel Correctly wash and fold reusable gowns and drapes Assemble packs containing gowns or drapes for sterilization Understand the difference between open gloving and closed gloving techniques Assist the surgeon in changing gloves during procedure as non sterile personnel Sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods* Understand sterilization vs disinfection Understand cold sterilization Understand various sterilization methods including autoclaving and gas sterilization (ethylene oxide and gas plasma) Operate and maintain autoclaves* Understand different types Understand process and how it produces sterilization Correctly and safely operate according to proper temperature and pressure requirements as well as loading requirements Understand appropriate types of packaging material and instruments that can be put into an autoclave Knowledge of proper storage of sterilized instruments and packs as well as shelf life of sterilized items Identify common suture materials, types, and sizes* Understand monofilament and braided, absorbable and non-absorbable, and synthetic and natural suture materials Recognize generic and common brand names for suture material Understand conventions for sizing the diameter of suture material Understand the difference between swaged and eye needles, as well as cutting, taper, and reverse cutting needles Provide operating room sanitation and care*
Demonstrate effective cleaning protocols and use of appropriate disinfectants including proper contact time necessary Understand daily and weekly cleaning protocols Demonstrate proper maintenance of operating room cleaning supplies Perform post surgical clean-up (e.g., equipment, instruments, room, proper disposal of hazardous medical waste)* Demonstrate proper use of the sharps container Knowledge of disposable items vs reusable items Understand cleaning protocols for surgical instruments and packs, and other surgical and anesthetic equipment Understand shutting down of surgical equipment and anesthesia monitoring devices Knowledge of routine surgical procedures and related equipment, must be able to define each procedure and understand correct patient preparation and positioning, as well as necessary instrumentation and equipment Ovariohysterectomy- dogs and cats* Cesarean section all common species* Orchiectomy all common species* Tail docking* Onychectomy dogs and cats* Laparotomies all common species* Dystocias in common species* Maintain and operate anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment, must understand what each measures and how to properly connect or apply it to the anesthetized patient Pulse oximeter* Esophageal stethoscope* Electrocardiograph* Basic Laboratory Procedures Basic laboratory rules Basic laboratory equipment The microscope and related supplies Stains Centrifugation Refractometer Commercial test kits Serologic test kits Blood analyzers Minimum database Blood testing Types Supplies Collecting the sample Blood tubes Needle size Hematology Blood smear Blood cells Perform CBC using automated machine Hemoglobin*
Packed cell volume* Total protein* White cell count* Red cell count* Perform blood chemistry tests (BUN, glucose, common enzymes)* using automated machine Urinalysis Determine physical properties (e.g., color, clarity, specific gravity)* Test chemical properties* Perform serologic test (ELISA, slide/card agglutinations)* Perform diagnostics procedures for parasites Floatation solution preparation Fecal floats* Direct smear* Centrifugation with floatation* Imaging Implement and observe recommended radiation safety measures* Understand rules and regulations dealing with radiation safety Understand age limitations of personnel permitted in radiography room during exposure Knowledge of potential health dangers associated with radiation, maximum permissible doses per year and the lifetime cumulative effects of radiation Understand the use of personal protective gear and proper storage and inspection of this gear Demonstrate proper use and storage of film badge Understand hazards associated with darkroom chemicals Demonstrate good professional judgement and take all steps to minimize risk to personnel and patient Position dogs, cats, horses and birds for radiographic studies* Understand pertinent anatomy Understand pertinent positioning terms Demonstrate proper use of positioning aids and restraints Understand safety concerns Process exposed films to create diagnostic radiographic images (automatic*, hand, and digital processing) Understand mechanics of automatic processor Recognize processing errors Understand proper storage, handling, use, and function of all darkroom chemicals Label, file, and store film* Understand proper storage conditions for film Demonstrate how to properly handle exposed and unexposed film Demonstrate proper labeling of film with permanent information Understand filing and storing film in an organized matter Complete radiographic logs, reports, files and records* Correctly log radiographic studies for future reference, completing all necessary reports Demonstrate proper maintenance of radiographic equipment* Understand basic workings of x-ray machine and automatic developer Understand differences between fixer and developer additives, proper use, usage length, and changing times, as well as the effect on final film quality Maintain proper use of safe lights Understand necessity for routine scheduled maintenance from the equipment manufacturers and when it is necessary to service the equipment
Handle and store x-ray film as well as proper conditions Maintain cleanliness of radiographic equipment, film, and cassettes *Denotes tasks required by the CVTEA of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). TEXTBOOK/S: Required: Bassert: McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 7th Edition Recommended: Aspinall: The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing Busch: Small Animal Surgical Nursing Holtgrew-Bohling: Large Animal Clinical Procedures for Veterinary Technicians SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT: Computer with internet access and printing capability Microsoft Office and Powerpoint ATTENDANCE POLICY: Class attendance is the responsibility of the student. All students must be officially enrolled in any course that they attend. It is expected that students attend all classes and be on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student for making up examinations, obtaining lecture notes, and otherwise compensating for what may have been missed. Students who stop attending class and do not officially drop, withdraw, or resign from the college may receive a grade of F for all coursework missed. Absences affect performance in this course and do not reflect well on participation. No student may substitute the attendance of another student. GRADING REQUIREMENTS: Your final grade will be determined by your performance through the semester. Grades will be weighted as follows: Class assignments 40% Papers 10% Tests 25% Final exam 25% Late assignments will not be accepted. Due dates will be posted on Moodle; please stay on top of your work. If you have questions as you work through the course, you are encouraged to call or email the instructor for help. In order to pass this course, your final grade must be 70% or higher. GRADING SCALE: A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% F 69% or lower
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND CONDUCT: Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Behavior that violates these standards is not acceptable. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited and are subject to disciplinary actions established in the Student Code of Conduct. The instructor reserves the right to assign a grade of F on any type of assignment or examination based on evidence that the student has violated the Student Code of Conduct. STUDENT BEHAVIOR/CLASSROOM DECORUM: Students are encouraged to discuss, inquire, and express their thoughts and views during class. Classroom behavior that interferes with either the instructor s ability to conduct the class or the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable. Students are required to turn off all cell phones or similar electronic devices (or place them on silent mode) before coming into the classroom. The instructor reserves the right to assign no credit for work on that day if a student talks or texts on a cell phone or similar electronic device. The classroom is not a place for children, and students are not to bring their family members into the classroom. DISABILITY CODE: If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Student Affairs. No accommodations are granted without documentation authorized from Student Affairs. WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The last day to withdraw from a course or resign from the college is. If you intend to withdraw from the course or resign from the college, you must initiate the action by logging into LoLA. The instructor will not withdraw you automatically. COMMUNICATION POLICY: My.NorthshoreCollege.Edu is the official student email communication within Northshore Technical Community College. Therefore, the College has the right to send communications to students via their College email address and the right to expect that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Every student is assigned a My.NorthshoreCollege.Edu. Students can redirect their College email address to an outside email provider. However, the College is not responsible for handling outside email providers, and redirecting their College email address does not absolve a student from their responsibilities associated with communication sent to their official College email address. COPYRIGHT POLICY: Unless a student has obtained permission from the copyright holder, it is a violation of Copyright Law to print or photocopy chapters from a textbook that the student did not purchase. If the course requires the use of an electronic textbook, a student must look for a statement that allows for photocopying and/or printing of the etextbook. This course is divided into sections lasting three to four weeks each. Section topics with required/suggested reading and graded assignments are listed in the schedule below. These will also be listed on Moodle, along with the related powerpoints. Graded assignments for the section, this will be due on or before the second to last Friday of the section. Grades will be available by the following Monday morning. Please note: This is a college class and college level work is expected! You should have complete sentences with good grammar and well thought-out answers. When essays are due, the assignment will include the grading rubric, so you can see how points will be assigned. Your instructor will maintain contact with you via email regarding your performance on each assignment. There will be three tests in this course and a comprehensive final. Any type of questions is possible: multiple choice, true/false (with the false statement corrected to be true), fill in the blank, matching and short essay. As these will be handwritten, legibility counts. An answer that cannot be read will be wrong!
COURSE SCHEDULE: Dates Topic with reading and graded assignments 1/14-2/1 INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY Required reading: McCurnin: Chapter 25 Recommended reading: Aspinall: Chapter 19 Required viewing: www.4act.com -- Training Resources -- Veterinary Assistant -- Medication and Pharmacy Resources: Prescription Labels and Abbreviations Filling a Prescription Controlled Substances Turn in: Calculation problems no later than 1/25 Drug reports no later than 2/1 2/4-3/1 INTRODUCTION TO SURGICAL NURSING AND ANESTHESIA Required reading: McCurnin: Chapters 28-31 Recommended reading: Aspinall: Chapters 23, 24 Busch: Chapters 1-7, 9, 10 Holtgrew-Bohling: Chapters 8, 12, 16, 24 Required viewing: www.4act.com -- Training Resources -- Veterinary Technician: Anesthetic Assisting (5 videos) Surgical Resources (6 videos) Turn in: Surgery questions no later than 2/22 Surgical issues paper no later than 3/1 3/4 MIDTERM EXAM
Dates Topic with reading and graded assignments 3/4-4/5 LABORATORY PROCEDURES Required reading: McCurnin: Chapter 16 Recommended reading: Aspinall: Chapter 31 Holtgrew-Bohling: Chapters 7, 11, 15, 23 ( Diagnostic Sampling section only) Required viewing: www.4act.com -- Training Resources -- Veterinary Assistant -- Laboratory Skills: Basic Blood Collection Basic Cytology Basic Microscope Technique Basic Slide Staining Technique CBC - Complete Blood Count Fecal Analysis The Basic Urinalysis Using a Refractometer Turn in: Crossword puzzle no later than 3/29 4/8-4/26 IMAGING Required reading: McCurnin: Chapter 19 Recommended reading: Aspinall: Chapter 32 Busch: Chapter 8 Required viewing: www.4act.com -- Training Resources -- Veterinary Assistant -- Radiology: Practical Radiology Safety The X-ray Machine and Technique Chart Positioning Animals for Radiology Radiology: Developing and Filing Xrays Turn in: Imaging questions no later than 4/19 5/6 FINAL EXAM Note that this is a tentative schedule. In the event of an emergency or other unforeseen disruption, dates may be subject to change. You will be notified via email and updates on Moodle if this is the case.