**Always wash hands before and after handling each patient at the VMTH**
** Wear protective footwear and lab coats/gowns while handling patients in ICU/ISO **
Some of the duties that foal team members may assist in performing include:
- Monitor and record the temperature, pulse and respiration rate,
observe mucous membrane color and capillary refill time, record GI
sounds, observe character of breathing, observe any abnormal signs
such as seizure or apnea.
- Help to keep the foal dry, warm and clean.
- Assist with bottle feeding, pan feeding, feeding via nasogastric
tubes.
- Record fluid intake.
- Observe and record urination and defecation and indicate the volume
and consistency of urine and feces.
- Keep the foal from becoming tangled in IV lines, oxygen tubing and
monitoring equipment
- Clean the oxygen lines as directed.
- Maintain the foal in sternal position if required. Provide restraint
for medical procedures.
- Reposition foal as required. Assist with lifting foal for transportation
(such as to radiology), weighing the foal, placing foal in sling etc.
- Observe foal during rest periods.
- Perform physical therapy on the limbs and perform chest percussions
as directed.
- Assist with milking the mare and restraining the mare for procedures.
- Assist with "housekeeping" around the foal to ensure a clean, draft
free environment. Launder blankets,fleece pads,quilt pads etc.
- Submit samples obtained from the foal to the appropriate laboratory.
- Assist with various monitoring - CVP measurements, blood pressure
measurements etc.
- Assist with administration of medications
All of these procedures will be discussed and illustrated
while working in the ICU or Isolation unit with the veterinary teclrnicians,
senior vet students, residents or faculty. Don't be afraid to ask questions
and to offer suggestions.
Thank you for your participation!!!!!! |
