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Courses open for VSPNer registration

TECH113-1203: Art of Arteries - Arterial Catheterization, Sampling, and More

INSTRUCTOR:
Dawn M. Perri, RVT, AS

DATES:
December 23, 2003 - January 29, 2004
Real Time Sessions: Monday evenings; December 29, January 5, 12, and 19; 9:00pm until 10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As the veterinary clinician becomes more advanced, so must the veterinary technician. This course is designed to provide the veterinary technician with the skills to perform and understand arterial blood sampling, catheterization, and direct blood pressure monitoring.

The course will consist of four (4), ninety (90) minute, real time sessions. Course materials will include detailed presentations with slides and step-by-step instructions for arterial puncture, catheterization, direct blood pressure monitoring, sample collection and handling; library materials covering basic physiology of blood gases, and arterial waveform analysis; weekly multiple choice quizzes designed to enhance course effectiveness and material retention; and interactive message board discussions.

Those participants who took TECH106-1202 Art of Arteries (3 unit VSPN CE course) may register for this course for half price ($48).

All veterinary technicians are encouraged to register. This course covers essential skills required for those pursuing their VTS certification for Emergency and Critical Care through AVECCT.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

  1. Obtain an arterial blood sample via arterial puncture using appropriate techniques to minimize puncture related complications.
  2. Place an arterial catheter, using appropriate techniques to minimize catheter related complications.
  3. Obtain an arterial blood sample from an arterial catheter, using appropriate techniques to minimize sampling complications and maximize result accuracy.
  4. Obtain a blood gas measurement using the ABL and I-Stat blood analyzers.
  5. Obtain a direct arterial blood pressure measurement using the transducer - monitor method.
  6. Have a basic understanding of arterial blood gases and their value with respect to patient assessment.
  7. Have a basic understanding of arterial pressure waveforms and their value with respect to patient assessment.
COURSE OUTLINE:

WEEK 1 - Arterial puncture and sample handling
Content:

  1. Indications and contraindications for arterial puncture
  2. Preparing the patient and performing arterial puncture
  3. Proper sample handling techniques after arterial puncture
  4. Obtaining a blood gas measurement with the ABL and I-stat analyzers.
WEEK 2 - Arterial catheterization and sample collection.
Content:
  1. Indications and contraindications for arterial catheterization
  2. Preparing the patient and performing arterial catheterization
  3. Proper sample collection and handling techniques from an arterial catheter
  4. Proper maintenance of an arterial catheter
WEEK 3 - Blood gas analysis
Content:
  1. Physiology of Respiration, including partial pressure of a gas, diffusion, oxygenation, and ventilation.
  2. Physiology of Acid - Base
  3. Interpreting Blood gas values in a clinical context
WEEK 4 - Hooking up the transducer and waveform analysis
Content:
  1. Setting up a pressure transducer and oscilloscope.
  2. Concepts of direct blood pressure measurement
  3. Waveform analysis and troubleshooting equipment
  4. Interpreting waveforms in a clinical context
TEXTS: None

LIBRARY MATERIALS:
Library materials will be made available prior to the topic week so participants will have plenty of time to prepare for the real time sessions and discussion.

MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSIONS:
board discussions regarding the topic presented will begin on the day the course opens and continue for one week following the last real time session. These discussions will be held in the VSPN CE course area.

CE HOURS: 6 CE credits (applied for RACE and VHMA approval)

TUITION:
$96 ($86.00 early bird special if registered before December 15, 2003).
Students of AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician Programs or Canadian approved VT programs may be eligible to receive a reduced rate for this course of $48.00 (upon verification of student status)
*VT students, please include your program directors name, school, and school phone number) in the comments section of the CE registration form. Your registration will be delayed if this information is not included.

TO REGISTER:

  1. You must be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
  2. VIN Member DVM's SHOULD NOT register for their staff. Please have the staff member register through VSPN. Please email VSPNCE@vspn.org if you have questions.
*VT students, please include your program directors name, school, and school phone number in the comments section of the CE registration form. Your registration will be delayed if this information is not included.
*** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out www.vspn.org/CE

Note: "This course has been submitted for approval for 6 hours of continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call VIN/VSPN for further information." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board.)

COURSE WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY: Withdrawal prior to the listed start date of a course entitles the registrant to a complete refund or a credit toward a future VIN CE course, whichever is preferred. Withdrawal within 1 week after the listed start date (i.e. including no more than one real-time session) entitles the registrant to a credit toward any future VIN CE course. (Does not apply to courses with only one real-time session.) After the first real-time session, a registrant may withdraw due to special circumstances and receive prorated credit towards a future VIN course. These requests will be handled on an individual basis. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined based on 65% of the time remaining in the course at the time of withdrawal. It is not possible to withdrawal retroactively. Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO.
Nanette R. Walker Smith, RVT, CVT
VSPN Content Director
Nanette@vspn.org or VSPNCE@vspn.org

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