This webinar will look at the different types of shock and how we deal with them. We will look at its pathophysiology, and how we can assess its severity from physical assessment of the patient, using simple parameters such as mentation, pulse rate and quality and mucous membrane assessment. Treatment of shock will be discussed, including the use of fluid therapy, and the different types, volumes and rates of fluids which may be suitable, as well as medications that are available. Once treated we can also see problems associated with the reperfusion of tissues, and so these issue will also be explained and discussed. By the end of the webinar webinar delegates should feel more confident in dealing with these patients in the clinic and how they can target treatment in order to gain a successful outcome.

Provision of fluid therapy is an important aspect of patient support during anaesthesia. In recent years there have been various guidelines published regarding perioperative fluids in veterinary medicine. However, there are many factors to consider when creating an individualised fluid plan for small animals undergoing anaesthesia. This webinar will guide you through a logical approach to incorporating new information on this topic into your everyday clinical practice. The webinar will cover: indications for the provision of perioperative fluids, choice of fluid type and rate of administration for a range of patients, monitoring changes to fluid requirements during anaesthesia, and potential adverse effects of inappropriate fluid therapy.

The VNs role in the prevention of hospital acquired infections A HAI is classified as an infection that occurs: •up to 48 hours after hospital admission •up to 3 days after discharge •up to 30 days after an operation •in a healthcare setting when the patient was admitted for reasons other than an infection Causes of HAIs Bacteria, fungus, and viruses can cause HAIs. In human medicine bacteria alone cause about 90% of cases. Patients who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of contracting an infection during hospitalisation. These microorganisms spread mainly through person-to-patient contact from unclean hands; medical and hospital equipment. HAIs also increase with excessive or incorrect selection of antibiotics, which can lead to emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria. The most common types of HAIs are: •Surgical site infections •Intravenous catheter and arterial line associated infections •Catheter-associated urinary tract infections •Pneumonia Preventing nosocomial infections A 70% decrease in HAI can be seen when a team is taking steps in prevention and veterinary nurses are well positioned to be at the forefront of infection control within the veterinary practice. In this session we will focus on specific areas where veterinary nurses can have a real impact. General recommendations could include: •Correct kennel selection (is isolation/barrier nursing needed) •Focus on exceptional 5-point hand hygiene •The availability and correct use of personal protective equipment •Correct cleaning of clinical environments •Correct ventilation •The use of strict aseptic techniques (IV catheter care, blood sampling, urinary catheter care etc.) •Removal of unnecessary indwelling devices as soon as no longer required •Provision of high-quality nursing care.