Module Information

Module Identifier
VN21020
Module Title
Principles of Pharmacology and Anaesthesia
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Literature review  1000 Words  25%
Semester Assessment Practical Skills Portfolio  Reflective account of practical skills development prior to placement 1000 Words  25%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Written exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Practical Skills Portfolio  Reflective account of practical skills development prior to placement 1000 Words  25%
Supplementary Assessment Literature review  1000 Words  25%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Written exam  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Critique methods of pharmacy management and discuss the current guidance and legal requirements of handling, storage, prescribing, dispensing, recording and disposal of medication.

Discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of licenced medications.

Justify the use of pain assessment methods in recognising signs of pain and discuss the principles of analgesia.

Plan for pre-, intra-, and post-anaesthesia care in dogs, cats, small mammals or equids.

Discuss the use and maintenance of a range of anaesthetic equipment used for delivery and monitoring of anaesthesia in dogs, cats, small mammals or equids.

Critique methods of assessing anaesthetic risk and plan for anaesthetic emergencies in dogs, cats, small mammals or equids.

Brief description

The aim of this module is to introduce the fundamental principles and aspects of pharmacology and the application thereof to the veterinary nurse. Legal requirements associated with drug registers, drug scheduling, and dispensing will be explored. Basic information and skills relating to anaesthesia and analgesia of animal patients will be included. Important steps in preparation of patients, drugs and equipment, management and recovery of patients and communication between members of the veterinary team will be explored.

Content

1. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
2. Legislation relevant to pharmacy management including licencing, prescribing and dispensing
3. Drugs commonly used for specific conditions
4. Pharmacy management
5. Functions of anaesthetic machine and principles applied to different breathing systems
6. Use and maintenance of equipment
7. Pre-anaesthetic examination assigning an ASA score
8. Premedication, anaesthesia and analgesic checklists and management plans
9. Administer and monitor anaesthetised patients and identify potential complications and emergencies
10. Role of veterinary nurse/RCVS CoPC for veterinary nurses
11. Calculate oxygen flow rates
12. Score, evaluate and report pain

The following RCVS Day One Skills (DOS) are covered within the content of this module:
4.10, 4.11, 4.13, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.3, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6
The following RCVS Day One Competences (DOC) are covered within the content of this module:
1, 12, 25, 26, 27, 34, 33

All content will be covered via a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. There will also be an expectation for students to undertake 155 hours of independent or directed study.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Developing practical skills in groups and peer assessing each other
Creative Problem Solving Identification of potential patient complications and subsequently providing correct care
Reflection Reflection of own skills and their development
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge and nursing skills relevant to veterinary pharmacology, analgesia and anaesthesia.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5