Unit information: Advanced Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2015/16

Unit name	Advanced Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Unit code	VETS30015
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Murison
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Level I units: Diagnostics and Treatment, Anaesthesia and Fluid Therapy, Surgical Nursing and Theatre Practice, Application of Veterinary Nursing Care
Co-requisites	Welfare and Ethics, two other optional units and the dissertation
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit builds on the theoretical knowledge in the Anaesthesia and fluid therapy in veterinary practice module in 2nd year. Students will be introduced to more advanced techniques including use of ventilators. A problem solving approach will be used, particularly in use of monitors and also dealing with patient emergencies. Students will use skills and knowledge from practical experience and other areas of the course to advance their patient care.

Aims:

• To provide students with a more advanced understanding of anaesthesia and analgesia to the basic level in 2nd year unit.

• To develop students skills in problem solving

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles behind multimodal analgesia and analgesia assessment

• Understand the mechanisms of action of neuromuscular blocking agents and other muscle relaxants and how they affect anaesthesia

• Appreciate how the anaesthetic and analgesic drugs modify the physiology of organ systems

• To understand the theory behind artificial ventilation and the use of ventilators, including potential complications

• To be able to check a ventilator and prepare for use in a particular patient

• To be able to prepare, check and use a wide range of monitoring equipment

• To be able to diagnose common equipment faults and causes of artefact

• To interpret abnormalities in blood gases and acid-base disorders, recognize their significance and know how to assist the veterinary surgeon in their treatment.

• Develop a logical and methodical approach to patient complications, accidents and emergencies, including when to ask for assistance

• To understand the differences in anaesthesia for complicated cases, including specific monitoring and nursing requirements

Teaching Information

Lectures

Practicals

Self directed study

Discussion session

Assessment Information

The overall pass mark for this unit is 40%

Students must obtain a minimum of 40% in each of the following areas:

• written paper (1.5 hour) (60%)

• Written assessment (2000 word evidence based review) (40%)

Students who fail to satisfy any of the above criteria will be deemed to have failed the whole Unit.

Reading and References

• BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia & Analgesia Edited by C. Seymour & T.Duke

• Anaesthesia for Veterinary Nurses ed: Dr E Welsh

• Hall, Clarke & Trim – Veterinary Anaesthesia 10th Edition