TECH121-0908 : Turning on the Lytes: Fluid Therapy and the Role of Electrolytes Module 1

INSTRUCTOR:
Lindan Spromberg, LVT, BS, VTS (ECC)

DATES:
September 29-November 3, 2008
Real Time Sessions: Friday evenings; October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2008; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is the first module of the two-part series on Electrolyte and Fluid Administration designed to introduce the most common electrolytes and their role in fluid therapy. The course's main focus is to teach the veterinary technician how to identify electrolyte imbalances and be able to understand the different fluid options to correct those changes. Coverage of basic cell physiology, osmotic calculations, frequently used crystalloids and colloids solutions, and Human Serum Albumin will be covered.

This course is recommended for veterinary technicians, especially those credentialed veterinary technicians seeking their Veterinary Technician Specialty certificate in Emergency Critical Care. Knowledge of cell physiology and types of fluid therapy support available for each individual patient is key for the veterinarian and veterinary technicians addressing a patient's individual and changing needs. This course has been RACE approved for veterinary technicians and veterinarians.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to

• define and describe basic cell physiology.
• summarize the role of electrolytes in the body.
• calculate blood osmolality and anion gap.
• demonstrate knowledge of and distinguish needs for commonly used crystalloid and colloid solutions.
• demonstrate knowledge of Human Serum Albumin

TEXTBOOK: There is no required text for this course.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Basic Cell Physiology and Electrolytes
Content: This week we will discuss basic cell physiology and what role electrolytes play in the body. Emphasis will be on learning the different fluid compartments and how electrolytes cross the cell membrane. We will also discuss basic cell terminology.

Week 2: Osmolality and Tonicity
Content: This week will include introduction of osmolality and tonicity of blood. Students will be taught calculations for blood osmolality and anion gap using bloodwork. This will help introduce the fundamentals of different electrolyte solutions.

Week 3: Crystalloid Solutions
Content: During this session, we will learn about crystalloid solutions used in veterinary medicine. We will breakdown each solution by additives and osmolality to better understand how each solution is best utilized. Students will also learn when certain solutions are contraindicated.

Week 4: Colloid Solutions
Content: During the last week, students will learn about common colloid solutions used in veterinary medicine. We will look at each solution and discuss when colloids should be used and why they are used in fluid therapy. We will also discuss Human Serum Albumin and its role in albumin replacement therapy.

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: Message 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

TUITION:
$117 ($105.00 early bird special if registered before September 15, 2008).
*Enroll in both Lytes modules prior to October 3, 2008 to receive a 15% discount off the regular registration price of each module. Module 1 is highly recommended prior to taking Module 2.
*Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status). You must include the following information in the comments section of the CE enrollment form in order to be eligible for this discount: your program director's name and contact information (email/phone) and school name.

** NOTE: Registration will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.

• Minimal computer requirements for participating in VSPN and VPSNCE
  

• How To's of Online CE

• Polices & Procedures

TO REGISTER:

1. Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
2. To enroll in any VSPN CE course click on the ENROLL NOW link below the course title on the right side of the page at www.vspn.org/CE
3. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. This is our major form of communication with participants. It is highly recommended that course participants use their own, personal emails rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
4. VIN Member veterinarians SHOULD NOT register for their staff. Please have the staff member register through VSPN. Please email VSPNCE@vspn.org if you have questions.
5. VIN Member veterinarians ARE ELIGIBLE to take this course, we are requesting RACE accreditation for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. **Please access the course enrollment through www.vspn.org/CE.

Note: "This course has been approved for continuing education credits in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB 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 VSPN CE at 1-800-700-4636 for further information." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).

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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 VSPN or 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 withdraw retroactively.
Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).

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** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE

Nanette R. Walker Smith, M.Ed., RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator
VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950, ext 187

Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org); ext 197
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950

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