Calculate and administer fluid therapy to veterinary patients

This standard is about calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients. This will involve calculating the required level of fluid, cannulating a vein on the veterinary patient, administering fluid therapy and monitoring the veterinary patient during and after the administration.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. determine the correct fluid therapy in accordance with the requirements of the veterinary patient and the instructions of the veterinary surgeon
2. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients
3. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
4. wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients
5. calculate the fluid requirements for the veterinary patient including the flow-rate
6. assemble the equipment and materials for the administration of fluid therapy to veterinary patients
7. provide the veterinary patient with the required animal welfare needs
8. check that the patient is positioned and restrained, using the required restraining methods and equipment
9. cannulate a vein on the veterinary patient, using aseptic techniques
10. administer the required fluid therapy according to the veterinary patient's calculated fluid requirements
11. monitor the veterinary patient during and after the administration of the fluid therapy
12. identify concerns with the veterinary patient's condition resulting from the fluid therapy and bring them to the attention of the veterinary surgeon
13. dispose of surplus and waste materials according to veterinary practice procedures
14. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
15. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. why it is important to confirm the veterinary patient's condition and fluid therapy with the veterinary surgeon
2. how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients
3. the clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients
4. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for calculating and administering fluid therapy to veterinary patients
5. the conditions by which fluid therapy is administered to veterinary patients
6. the types of fluid therapy equipment and materials
7. the types of restraining methods for different types of veterinary patient species
8. how to calculate the fluid requirements for the conditions of different animals, to include fluid type, quantity and flow-rate
9. how to administer different types of fluid therapy to veterinary patients
10. the monitoring methods that should be used during fluid therapy
11. the importance of bringing concerns with the veterinary patient to the attention of the veterinary surgeon
12. how to dispose of surplus and waste materials in accordance with the relevant legislation and veterinary practice guidelines
13. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under the relevant legislation and codes of practice
14. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
15. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies

A.    administer fluid therapy to the following veterinary patients:

1. cats, dogs and exotics OR
2. horses

B.    administer the following types of fluids:

1. blood/ blood products
2. colloids
3. crystalloids
4. electrolyte solutions for oral rehydration

C.   calculate and administer fluid therapy to meet the following fluid requirements:

1. type
2. quantity
3. flow rate

D.   use the following equipment and materials when calculating and administering fluid therapy:

1. fluid containers
2. administration sets
3. catheters
4. flow controls

E.    administer fluid therapy in the treatment of:

1. dehydration
2. metabolic disturbance
3. shock
4. blood loss

F.    monitor the veterinary patient by assessing the:

1. level of hydration
2. condition of the mucous membranes
3. pulse rate, rhythm and character
4. fluid output
5. behaviour
6. laboratory test results

Animal Health and Welfare Need:

1. for a suitable environment (place to live)
2. for a suitable diet
3. to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
4. to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
5. to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.