Question

A veterinary technician performs the hourly treatments for a 2 year old cat, who had a foreign body removed from the intestines. The technician notes an increased respiratory rate, moaning, and the patient is hunched over during the incision site check. What information should the technician report to the doctor?

Answer 1

The veterinary technician should report the increased respiratory rate, moaning, and hunched posture of the cat to the veterinarian as these may indicate postoperative complications requiring immediate attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

A veterinary technician who observes symptoms such as an increased respiratory rate, moaning, and a hunched posture in a 2 year old cat following surgery for the removal of a foreign body from the intestines should report these findings to the veterinarian immediately. These signs could potentially indicate postoperative pain, infection, or complications such as an ileus or gastrointestinal blockage. It is critical for the vet to reassess the patient to ensure proper postoperative care and adjust treatment as necessary.

Increased respiratory rate may suggest pain or discomfort while moaning is a clear sign of distress. A hunched posture during an incision site check may indicate guarding, which often accompanies pain or other discomfort at the surgical site. The veterinary technician's role is crucial in monitoring for these types of postoperative complications and facilitating prompt intervention by a veterinarian to manage the patient's recovery effectively.