Prepare veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations

This standard is about preparing veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations, including obtaining the necessary patient information.  This could include preparing patients for, examination, sample collection, fluid therapy, medication, applying dressings and bandages or diagnostic procedures.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. obtain the necessary information on veterinary patients for the medical procedures or diagnostic investigations
2. identify the medical procedures or diagnostic investigations to be performed and the requirements for the preparation of the veterinary patient
3. select and wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when preparing veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostics investigations
5. select and implement the required infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
6. position and restrain the veterinary patient to minimise risk of injury to the veterinary patient or those involved in your work
7. prepare the veterinary patient for the medical procedures or diagnostic investigations
8. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
9. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. the information required when preparing veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
2. the types of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for preparing the veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
3. how to identify hazards and assess risks associated with preparing veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
4. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures when preparing veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
5. how to prepare veterinary patients for medical procedures and diagnostic investigations
6. animal management, including handling and restraint, for different types of medical procedures, diagnostic investigations and animal behaviours
7. how to prepare the veterinary patients to avoid causing it unnecessary distress
8. how to position the veterinary patients as required according to the medical procedures and for diagnostic investigations to be undertaken
9. the signs and the actions to take, when a veterinary patient is injured, or showing signs of physical or clinical deterioration
10. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
11. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
12. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes and practice and business policies

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