Wakin’ Up is Hard to Do

Course Details

This lecture has been RACE Approved for 1 CE hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians.

This lecture will discuss anesthetic recovery and the events that occur after the gas has been turned off. Technicians will be presented with information on monitoring throughout the recovery period, how to handle a ‘rough’ recovery, and how to manage a prolonged recovery. From the cessation of inhalant anesthesia, techniques will be discussed for continued oxygen and heat support, when to disconnect monitoring equipment and IV fluids, and transporting a patient to a safe recovery area. Participants will learn how to discern among emergence delirium, dysphoria and pain – all forms of rough recoveries – by looking at case examples and post-operative drug selections. Prolonged recoveries will be discussed as well, with information presented on causes (hypothermia, hypotension, hypoventilation, opioids) and how to facilitate extubation during a lengthy recovery period.