Table 8 . Nursing care plan , day 3 , 13 October 2023 . Reason for patient admission : dull , diarrhoea , in need of supportive care .
Activity Problem Nursing intervention Short-term goal Evaluation Mobility
Lethargy , signs of colic – lying down and standing up frequently
Ensured deep bedding
Prevent decubitus ulcers on bony prominences , as patient was spending long periods lying down
Breathing Oxygenation None needed – –
Patient settled once analgesia via CRI had been started
Temperature |
Pyrexic |
Administered NSAID as per |
|
|
VS ' s instruction |
Shut top stable door
Nutrition |
Inappetent |
Tempted patient to eat grass |
|
|
and hard food |
NGT placement Started TPN
Maintain normothermia
Prevent further dehydration , electrolyte loss and weight loss
Monitor temperature every 3 hours
Gastric reflux obtained , unable to administer electrolyte solution
Urination |
– |
Normal urination observed |
– |
Monitor urine output , |
|
|
|
|
colour , amount and |
|
|
|
|
specific gravity |
Defaecation |
Loose diarrhoea |
Bio-sponge administered
Washed tail and placed in a rectal sleeve to protect from diarrhoea
|
Stop diarrhoea and firm up faeces |
Apply lubricant to protect skin from irritation |
|
|
Cleaned perineum as needed |
|
|
Sleep |
Intermittently uncomfortable |
Kept external noise levels to a minimum |
Promote rest and sleep |
Patient spends a lot of time lying down |
|
|
Tried not to stimulate the patient unnecessarily |
|
|
|
|
Lowered lights |
|
|
Hydration |
Diarrhoea and reduced oral intake |
NGT with electrolytes
IVFT and TPN
|
Correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance |
Unable to adminster electrolytes via NGT due to reflux |
Pain |
Colic |
Administered analgesia as |
|
|
per VS ' s instruction |
Monitored comfort levels and signs of pain
Replace ongoing losses due to diarrhoea and reflux
Ensure patient is comfortable
Monitor PCV , TP , urine output and specific gravity , and NIBP
Patient appears more comfortable after NSAID administration and lidocaine CRI
NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ; VS = veterinary surgeon ; NGT = nasogastric tube ; IVFT = intravenous fluid therapy ; TPN = total parenteral nutrition ; TP = total protein ; PCV = packed cell volume ; NIBP = non-invasive blood pressure ; CRI = constant-rate infusion .
24 Veterinary Nursing Journal