Basic Cardiology (Interprofessional)

Aims

This two-day course will allow you to triage small animal cardiac patients more efficiently by improving your clinical examination skills, helping you acquire representative BP measurements and diagnostic ECGs.

Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Day 1 Learning Objectives.

• Describe and explain the structure and function of the heart.
• Define the term heart failure, outlining the most common cardiovascular disorders in both the canine and feline patient, recognising their associated clinical signs via acute and chronic clinical presentation.
  • Describe the nursing considerations of acute and chronic heart failure in the canine and feline patient.
  • Discuss the asymptomatic and symptomatic cardiac patient
• Become familiar with cardiovascular examination with a particular emphasis on cardiac and lung auscultation.
• Review how to obtain thoracic radiographs of diagnostic quality.
• Basic Interpretation of thoracic radiographs.
• Explain the term Echocardiography and its use in the cardiac patient.
• Discuss effective patient restraint for cardiac patient and echocardiography.

• Practical- Radiographic interpretation

  Day 2 Learning Objectives.

• Describe the examination of the cardiac patient using the ‘hands-off' approach.
• Implement cardiovascular ‘hands-on' examination with a particular emphasis on chest percussion techniques and cardiac auscultation.
• Explain the importance of monitoring blood pressure in cardiac patients.
• Classify various blood pressure monitoring techniques stating their advantages and disadvantages.
• Demonstrate ECG recording of a basic lead system identifying common abnormalities.
• Discuss the role of the cardiology nurse through client education of:
• diet
• exercise
• at home monitoring
• Demonstrate Interpreting ECG; s, blood pressure monitoring, and cardiac/lung auscultation

Summary

This course is Interprofessional. Interprofessional courses are suitable for:

· Veterinary nurses

· Veterinary surgeons – new graduates and vets wanting to refresh their skills (ideal for nurses and vets to attend together from the same practice)

Prices are the same for individual vets and nurses with an overall discounted price if a vet and nurse book to attend together from the same practice. Please enquire on booking.

Includes comprehensive course notes, refreshments and lunch on the day.