TECH162-0109 : Running on the Lytes: Fluid Administration and Calculation Module 2

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

DATES:
January 5-February 9, 2009
Real Time Sessions: Friday evenings; January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2009; 9:00pm-10:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is the second module of the two-part series on Electrolytes and Fluid Administration. This module is designed to introduce fluid administration in veterinary medicine and to discuss fluid choices during electrolyte and fluid emergencies. The course's overall focus is to teach the veterinary technician how to help veterinarians identify electrolyte imbalances and be able to understand the different fluid options to correct those changes or fluids to avoid. Coverage of frequently used crystalloids and colloids solutions, fluid rate calculations, and common electrolytes emergencies will be included.

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 will be submitted for RACE for veterinarians as well.

Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to

• discuss basic vascular physiology and cell structure.
• calculate maintenance, surgical, and shock fluid rates.
• classify and differentiate commonly used crystalloid and colloid solutions.
• relate and point out electrolyte imbalances that require emergency attention to the veterinarian.
• assist the veterinarian in designing a therapeutic plan and continued fluid therapy care for the critical patient.

TEXTBOOK: There is no required text for this course.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: Electrolytes and physiology (review of Module 1)
Content: This week we will review the information learned in module 1 and discuss in detail how fluid moves through the body compartments. Vascular anatomy and physiology will be introduced and we will discuss how the vascular endothelium system reacts to stress.

Week 2: Calculation of fluid rates
Content: This week will include introduction calculations used to determine appropriate fluid administration rates. Students will be taught calculations for maintenance, surgical, and shock fluid rates, and will learn when each of these rates are indicated and contraindicated.

Week 3: Fluid emergencies
Content: During this week we will discuss common fluid emergencies seen in veterinary medicine and how to treat these emergencies. Week three will combine the information taught from the first module and from weeks one and two of this module.

Week 4: Warning signs of electrolyte disturbances
Content: During the last week, we will discuss common electrolyte emergencies seen in veterinary medicine and how to treat these emergencies. We will discuss how to properly correct electrolyte imbalances and how to look for warning signs indicating electrolyte disturbances.

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 December 22, 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

[ CE MAIN | COURSE CATALOG | RACE/GETTING CREDITS | ONLINE CE HOW TO | SUGGEST A COURSE | VIN MAIN ]

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