ABSTRACT: Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN) play a crucial role in the preparation prior to and management of anaesthesia. It is vital that RVNs understand the proper use and function of the breathing system, and what system is most suitable for an individual, when preparing to anaesthetise or sedate any patient. In addition to this, RVNs are often responsible for the maintenance of breathing systems and therefore it is essential that troubleshooting and safety checks prior to use are understood to ensure the health and well being of staff as well as patients.

Author

Ashleigh Thurston BSc (Hons) VN, RVN

Ashleigh graduated from Myerscough University Centre with a FdSc in Veterinary Nursing with Distinction in 2016. She has since completed her BSc Top-up in Veterinary Nursing and graduated from Myerscough University Centre with First Class Honours in 2019. She has experience working in a university referral hospital, general practice and clinical pathology laboratory After qualifying as an RVN she worked at a busy first opinion practice and has spent the last 3 years working for the University of Liverpool Small Animal Practice and is heavily involved in the teaching of final year undergraduate veterinary students and student veterinary nurses. Ashleigh’s main areas of interest are anaesthesia, acute pain management, evidence-based veterinary medicine, theatre nursing, patient safety and quality improvement. She is currently working towards a MSc in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Anaesthesia & Analgesia) at Harper Adams University Email: ashleigh.thurstonl8@gmail.com

Keywords: Anaesthesia; breathing systems; theatre practice; patient safety; safety
checklists; ventilation

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 (02)• February 2021 pp61-67

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