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Technicians came to share ideas on their hospital's approach to monitoring anesthesia. A variety of equipment was used, along with much hands-on evaluation of the patient. Most practices seemed to give priority to using machine-based technology in the O.R., with the dental area being secondary and radiology usually lacking sophisticated monitoring equipment. Many are using short-acting anesthetics for radiographic and grooming procedures.
It was felt that the presence of a well-trained veterinary technician was the best assurance of having equipment, including the anesthetic machine, properly set up. Monitoring machines can give you information, but you have to know what to do with the information. A good technician will troubleshoot equipment problems and identify true patient problems early.
Monitoring needs to start at the time of anesthetic induction. Parameters of patient status that all of us combined cover were: respiration (rate and depth,) heart rate, pulse, mean arterial pressure, blood pressure, ECG, pulse oximetry, temperature, reflexes, mucus membrane color and capillary refill time. Monitoring shouldn't end with the removal of the endotracheal tube. Attention needs to be given to patient comfort and positioning in the recovery phase.
Safeguards for anesthesia included pre-anesthetic bloodwork, pre-anesthetic exams, placement of i.v. catheters, familiarity/experience with the anesthetic, not spreading staff too thin, checking over equipment first, including enough oxygen and inhalant anesthetics. Good ideas included using towels fresh out of the dryer to warm patients, cage dryers, and warmed gel packs.
Interest was expressed in covering radiology positioning tips. We'll try to get that on the schedule for September. Thanks to all who participated.
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