Anesthesia Monitoring SOP

Purpose: To ensure the safe and effective monitoring of animals under anesthesia during surgical or diagnostic procedures.

Scope: This SOP covers all animals undergoing anesthesia within the veterinary clinic or hospital. The veterinary nurse, along with the veterinary anesthesiologist or veterinarian, is responsible for implementing and following this SOP.

Reference SOPs:

• Animal Handling and Restraint SOP
• Infection Control SOP
• Medication Administration SOP

SOP Steps

Pre-Anesthetic Assessment

• Medical History:
  • Review the animal’s medical history, including any previous anesthetic events and known allergies.
  • Ensure all pre-anesthetic tests and examinations are complete.
• Physical Examination:
  • Perform a thorough physical examination to assess the animal’s health status.
  • Check vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
• Fasting:
  • Confirm that the animal has been fasted according to the clinic’s guidelines to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Anesthesia Induction

• Equipment Preparation:
  • Ensure all monitoring equipment is functional and calibrated.
  • Prepare and check the anesthesia machine, including oxygen supply and vaporizer settings.
• IV Catheter Placement:
  • Place an intravenous catheter for fluid and medication administration.
  • Secure the catheter and check for patency.
• Induction Process:
  • Administer the induction agent as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Monitor the animal closely for signs of adequate anesthesia depth before proceeding.

Monitoring During Anesthesia

• Vital Signs:
  • Continuously monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
  • Use a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation levels.
• Anesthesia Depth:
  • Assess the depth of anesthesia by checking reflexes (palpebral, pedal, and corneal) and muscle tone.
  • Adjust the anesthetic dose as needed to maintain the appropriate depth.
• Capnography:
  • Use capnography to monitor end-tidal CO2 levels, ensuring proper ventilation.
  • Adjust ventilation if CO2 levels are outside the normal range.