Description
This course is aimed at nurses working in general practice
Week 1
Transfusion Medicine
This week we will look at indications for packed red cell and whole blood transfusions, in both cats and dogs, in the acute emergency setting. The nurse’s role is vital in this field, including preparing the recipient, blood typing, cross matching and monitoring the recipient. We will cover common reasons for transfusion and patient specific nursing concerns, as well as indications for auto transfusion and xenotransfusion. Common coagulopathies will also be discussed, along with indications for the use of plasma products in small animal patients.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Select the correct blood product for the individual patient
- Understand the monitoring these patients require and patient specific concerns
- Explain the different transfusion reactions that can occur and how they are avoided and treated
- List the indications for auto transfusion and xenotransfusion
- Describe the main coagulopathies we encounter and the treatment options available
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 80 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Forum discussion topic = 10 minutes
- Multiple choice questions quiz = 10 minutes
Week 2
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury is a relatively common presentation in emergency and critical care, however, it can occur for a variety of reasons. This week will look at the conditions that lead to acute kidney injury and how we reach that diagnosis. We will look at treatment options including reviews of the evidence bases in terms of patients that are anuric. The nursing role in these patients is multi- faceted and it is vital we can monitor and nurse these patients effectively.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Understand the different reasons that AKI develops, including post-surgery, toxin related and obstruction of the urinary tract
- Understand the monitoring and nursing requirements of these patients including fluid therapy, acid-base status and how we recognize when they are deteriorating
- Explain how we manage anuric patients including evidence reviews of methods to force diuresis
- Understand the basics of peritoneal and haemodialysis for these patients and the indications
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 65 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Written task (clinical case scenario – nursing care plan) = 30 minutes (to be submitted before 5pm Friday week 6)
- Multiple choice questions quiz = 10 minutes
- Crossword quiz = 10 minutes
Week 3
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
DKA is a complex disorder that can be life threatening for our patients, and the nursing team play a large role in the management and recovery of these patients. There are multiple considerations in nursing a patient with DKA that go well beyond administering insulin. We will review common reasons for a patient to develop this endocrine disorder as well as acid- base and electrolyte abnormalities we may see.
These patients need intensive monitoring including repeated blood work so we will discuss how to minimize the impact of this on their welfare. There will also be discussion on the different approaches to administration of insulin and ongoing management of these cases when they are discharged home.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Recognise the concurrent conditions that may lead to difficulty stabilizing the DKA patient
- Understand how we reach the diagnosis and the treatment priorities for these patients
- Understand the different approaches to insulin administration as well as the pros and cons of each method
- Explain how to prioritise appropriate monitoring for these patients
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 60 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Forum discussion topic = 10 minutes
- Multiple choice questions quiz = 10 minutes
Week 4
Acute Pancreatitis
The pancreatitis patient is a common presentation to any practice. It is an inflammatory condition that can be classed from mild to severe. We will focus on the nursing care and assessment of the patients requiring hospitalisation for management. Whilst we often consider these patients as just needing a couple of days of supportive care, there are some serious complications that can occur and contribute to mortality.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Understand common aetiologies in dogs and cats
- Review pain management options including drug types and routes of administration
- Discuss nutritional support options
- Identify complications including development of SIRS
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 65 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Written task (clinical case scenario – nutrition plan) = 30 minutes (to be submitted before 5pm Friday week 6)
- Crossword quiz = 10 minutes
Week 5
Acute Respiratory Distress
These patients present many challenges to us in practice and need some special consideration in terms of monitoring and nursing care. We will look at recognition of the patient in respiratory distress, the potential causes, and our priorities for treatment. We will review the monitoring tools that may be beneficial and our approach to stabilising these patients.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Prioritise stabilisation techniques based on patient presentation
- Determine which method of oxygen supplementation is most appropriate for specific patients
- Appreciate the management of patients in brachycephalic crisis
- Understand the different approaches to diagnostics and monitoring for these very fragile patients
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 80 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Forum discussion topic = 10 minutes
- Multiple choice questions quiz = 10 minutes
Week 6
Addisonian Crisis
Known as the “great pretender”, Addison’s disease leads to a potentially life-threatening situation when the patient goes into crisis. Whilst electrolyte abnormalities are present in a typical Addisonian we can see no electrolyte changes in atypical cases. The patient with an Addison’s crisis has multiple abnormalities which we need to monitor and correct. Consideration of management options for these patients as well as resolving the crisis will all be discussed.
Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:
- Understand the aetiology, common clinical signs, and effects of this complex disorder
- Identify and differentiate a patient that has Addison’s disease, with a patient in an Addisonian crisis
- Understand the nursing considerations for these patients in the hospital environment, and appreciate the impact stress hormones have
- Identify priorities for treatment and ongoing management
Learning materials this week:
(released on Monday morning for on demand learning until the course ends – approximate timings)
- Pre-recorded tutorial with Kath = 50 minutes
- Further reading = 60 minutes
- Forum discussion topic = 10 minutes
- Crossword quiz = 10 minutes
This course will be fully tutored by Kath Howie and will consist of 15 hours of CPD given in various formats, including tutorials, tasks, case studies, forum discussions and quizzes. This course is tutored for 6 weeks, followed by a two week extension of untutored ‘catch up’ time, before the course officially ends.
All delegates will then have unlimited lifetime access to the learning material for future reference
Jazz Baker –
Really informative, easy to follow, the tutorials were excellent. Was flexible to do in my own time alongside working full time in a busy practice
Rated: Intermediate level
(Newly qualified <2 years - UK)
Michelle Dalton –
Great speaker and good variety of topics
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Hollie Chappell –
Found it extremely interesting and informative. So pleased I signed up for this course, it has given me confidence in the areas I needed. Will also be something i discuss with my practice about new protocols to put in place, due to what I have learned.
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate / Advanced
(Newly qualified (<2 years) - UK)
Ashton Winsor –
This course has helped to extend my knowledge in the area I am very passionate about.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice <5 years - UK)
Helen Taylor –
This was another excellent CPD, each week was very informative with great practical advice.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Kate Peacock –
I found the course very interesting, each individual subject was very informative.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Judith Smith –
I found this course very informative and that the tutor kept my attention
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Rachel Boxall –
Excellent variety in medical emergencies, well structured. Great mix of discussion, tasks and quizzes. Tutorials were great, fab level of knowledge and cases studies.
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate level
(Newly qualified RVN < 2 years - UK)
Zalatia Copley –
Very informative and good pace of work. Tailored on improved nursing for patients. enjoyed variation of tasks each week
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Charlotte Hodds –
I found this course very useful and informative, the course leader went into enough depth to continuously learn and build on your knowledge but not so much depth it was overwhelming and hard to follow. Would definitely recommend.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Referral or specialist RVN – UK)