Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant is a step-by-step guide providing veterinary assistants with essential information on performing basic procedures accurately and efficiently.

Detailing the preparation, procedure, and follow-up for basic veterinary skills, this book is a concise, reliable reference allowing quick access to "how-to" instruction.

With chapters ranging from professional conduct and office procedures to medical nursing and surgical tasks, Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant provides a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for veterinary support personnel.

Contents

Foundation Skills

1. Self-Assessment and Review of Foundation Skills
2. Analyzing Medical Terminology
3. Analysis and Resolution of Medical Math Problems
4. Computer Literacy
5. Technocompetency

Professional Conduct

1. Meeting Employer Expectations
2. Using Common Courtesies
3. Applying the Human–Animal Bond
4. The Role of the Veterinary Assistant
5. Applying Veterinary Ethics
6. Professional Appearance
7. Using Appropriate Language
8. Anticipating Work Flow
9. Using a Task Box

Laws and Their Effects on Policies and Procedures

1. Common Law
2. Federal Laws
3. State Laws
4. Local Ordinances

Introduction to Animals

1. Animal Classifi cation and Identification

Infectious Disease: Transmission and Prevention

1. Disease Transmission
2. Cage and Kennel Cleaning
3. Cleaning Storage Areas
4. Cleaning Varied Surfaces
5. Cleaning Hospital Laundry
6. Handling Hospital Waste

Ropes and Knots

1. Types of Rope
2. Parts of a Rope
3. Types of Knots

Animal Restraint

1. Species Differences and Handling
2. Psychological Restraint
3. Placement and Removal of Patients from Enclosures
4. Birds: Removal and Return to Caging
5. Haltering a Horse
6. Lifting Heavy Animals
7. Handling the Fractious Patient
8. Restraint During the Physical Examination
9. Restraint During Venipuncture
10. Restraint During Administration of Injections
11. Restraint: Sternal Recumbency
12. Restraint: Lateral Recumbency
13. Restraint: Dorsal Recumbency
14. Head Restraint: Elizabethan Collar and Neck Brace
15. Leg Restraint: Hobbles
16. Species Considerations: Rabbits

Nursing Skills I

1. Patient Discharge or Hospitalization?
2. Meeting a Patient’s Basic Needs
3. Medical Records
4. Working in the Treatment Room
5. Examination-Room Preparation

Nursing Skills II

1. Grooming the Outpatient
2. Clipper Maintenance
3. Clipping a Bird’s Flight Feathers
4. Mixing Vaccines and Filling Syringes
5. Dental Care
6. Administration of Medication

Nursing Skills III

1. Vital Signs
2. Pain Evaluation
3. Sexing a Cat
4. Aging the Dog and Cat Using Their Dentition
5. Monitoring IV Fluid Administration and IV Catheter Maintenance
6. Wound Care and Bandaging
7. Emergency Support
8. Euthanasia

Pharmacy Skills

1. Reading a Prescription
2. Prescription Labeling
3. Prescription Packaging
4. Filling the Prescription: Drug Identification
5. Filling the Prescription: How Much to Dispense
6. Handling Controlled Substances
7. Explaining Patient Medication to the Owner

Laboratory Skills

1. Working in the Veterinary Laboratory
2. Common External Parasites
3. Identifying Common Endoparasites: Handling the Fecal Sample
4. Blood Collection and Handling
5. The Complete Blood Count
6. Blood Chemistry and Electrolyte Determinations
7. Using Serologic Test Kits
8. Urine Collection and Urinalysis
9. The Culture and Sensitivity of Pathogens
10. Necropsy: Preparation and Follow-up

Endoscopy

1. Endoscopy: Preparation
2. Endoscopy: Postprocedure

Diagnostic Imaging

1. Diagnostic Imaging
2. Using the Radiology Log
3. Patient Positioning
4. Correct Use of the Calipers
5. Using a Technique Chart
6. Film Identification
7. Developing Film
8. Handling Film and Cassette Maintenance
9. Film Filing
10. Darkroom Maintenance
11. Diagnostic Ultrasonography
12. Dental Radiography

Presurgical Skills

1. Surgery Log Book and the Patient Anesthetic Record
2. Implementing Aseptic Technique
3. Surgical Suite Maintenance
4. Preanesthetic Patient Preparation
5. Anesthetic Induction
6. Intubation
7. Surgical Site Preparation
8. Presurgical Packs
9. Gowning the Surgeon
10. Patient Positioning and Final Skin Preparation
11. Checking the Anesthesia Machine
12. Pain Recognition and Management

The Surgical Period

1. Patient Monitoring
2. Preparing Drape and Towel Packs
3. Of Scalpel Blades, Sutures and ...
4. Gloving
5. Common Surgical Procedures

The Postoperative Period

1. Postanesthetic Patient Care
2. Postoperative Patient Care
3. Sterilization Techniques and Equipment
4. Instrument and Glove Preparation
5. Pack Preparation
6. Postoperative Surgery Room Cleaning

Front Office Procedures

1. Medical Record Assembly
2. Color Coding Medical Records
3. Filing
4. Appointment Scheduling
5. Updating Client Information
6. Intake Procedures
7. The Signalment
8. Release of Patient Information
9. Rabies Certificates
10. Health Certifi cates and Interstate Shipment of Animals
11. Consent Forms
12. Client Communications
13. Patient Discharge
14. Telephone Techniques
15. Handling Diffi cult Clients
16. Hospital Closing Procedures

Veterinary Practice Routines

1. Wellness Programs
2. Using Practice Protocols
3. Inventory Control
4. In-house Communications
5. Letter Writing

Appendices
Index

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ORDER NOW Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant Second edition by Paula Pattengale 2009 • 704 pages • $45.95 + shipping Texas residents please add 6.75 % sales tax