Caring for the Geriatric Patient
QUESTIONS
1. Define the term "geriatric".
2. At what age are cats and dogs generally considered geriatric? (Remember that the longevity of dogs is often dependent upon their size).
3. List 8 physical changes that may affect a geriatric animal.
4. List 5 mental changes that may affect a geriatric animal.
5. What properties should a diet for a geriatric animal possess and why?
6. Why are geriatric animals prone to obesity?
7. When is an animal classified as obese?
8. List 8 diseases that commonly affect the older animal.
Emptying the Bladder
QUESTIONS
1. List 4 ways in which the bladder may be emptied.
Natural micturition (urination).
Manual expression.
Catheterisation.
Cystocentesis.
2. A tomcat is presented with a suspected blocked bladder due to urolithiasis; which technique would be safest to provide immediate relief and why?
Giving the animal a gernal sedation and then giving a cystocentesis
3. Describe how cystocentesis is performed.
An assistant is needed to restrain the patient in lateral recumbency.
Inserting a 23g needle into the abdominal at a 45 degree angle near its junction to the urethra. The urine is then withdrawn from the bladder.
4. How is a Jackson cat catheter different to a regular cat catheter?
Jackson cat catheter is specific designed to be indwelling and is therefore shorter that a regular cat catheter.
5. How does the stylet of a Foley bitch catheter differ to that of a dog catheter?
It is not guided through the bore like a dog catheter but is instead put directly into the opening of it distal end and is therefore lies along with the catheter.
6. What sterilisation technique is generally considered most suitable for urinary catheters and why?
As most catheters are considered for single uses and are pre packed by gamma radiation and are not suitable to heat sterilisation
7. What is the maximum length of time an indwelling urinary catheter should be left in place?
There is no length of time that the catheter must be kept in place for but must removed
before the bladder gets infected
8. List possible reasons for performing urinary catheterisation.
To empty the bladder prior to surgery.
To relieve a patient suffering a urinary tract blockage.
Hydroprepulsion to dislodge crystals.
To affix a urine collection bag.
For accurate assessment of urine output.
Introduction of contrast media.
