Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing

Students must have knowledge of anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical laboratory, semiology, companion animal nursing and English.

Theoretical content is taught through a lecture method, using slide presentations interspersed with questions, in an interactive teaching/learning dynamic.

Practical content is taught through the performance of procedures on cadavers, the manipulation of available diagnostic and monitoring devices, animal models, and the discussion of situations relevant to the course.

Assist the veterinarian in administering emergency treatments.
Triage patients in emergency situations and recognize life-threatening situations.
Implement basic life support protocols appropriate to various life-threatening emergency conditions.
Monitor and recognize the need for advanced care in intensive care patients.

1. Patient triage and assessment:

• Telephone and hospital triage – primary and secondary approach;
• Initial assessment to identify life-threatening emergencies;
• Implementation of immediate airway, respiratory, and circulatory support procedures. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, invasive and non-invasive oxygenation, endotracheal intubation, ventilation, tracheostomy, bleeding control, catheterization, thoracentesis, and placement of drains and tubes.
• Complete clinical assessment;
• Shock: definition and signs.

2. Essential methods, equipment, materials, and medications in emergency situations for intensive care support and monitoring:

• Assessment of vital signs;
• Indications and methods for monitoring electrolytes, biochemistry, blood gas analysis, acid/base assessment, colloid osmotic pressure, and coagulation tests.
• Monitoring devices – indications, use, and critical changes: pulse oximeter, blood pressure, ECG, central venous pressure (reference).
• Multiparameter monitoring equipment;
• Fluid therapy monitoring;
• Blood transfusion in the ICU;
• Nutritional support;
• Oxygen therapy methods;
• Pain assessment and analgesia;
• Isolation and biosafety of critically ill patients.

3. Emergency and intensive care for:

• Critically ill patients in cardiorespiratory emergencies, traumatic emergencies, hemorrhages, bites, burns, heat stroke, drowning, and poisoning;
• Previous decompensated cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, genitourinary, and endocrine pathologies.

4. Euthanasia

• Ethical, clinical, and social considerations.

Continuous Assessment

The continuous assessment modality requires a minimum attendance of 75% in both theoretical and practical classes.

Continuous Assessment Instruments: Theoretical Assessment (50%) + Practical Assessment (50%)

Theoretical Assessment (T) (50%) consists of two written partial exams (T1, T2), with equal weighting. On each partial theoretical exam, the student must obtain a score equal to or higher than 7.5 points. The final grade for this theoretical assessment instrument is calculated according to the formula:

T=(T1+T2)/2

The Practical Assessment (P) (50%) consists of two practical partial exams (P1, P2), with equal weighting. On each partial practical exam, the student must obtain a score equal to or higher than 7.5 points. The final grade for this practical assessment tool is calculated according to the formula:

P=(P1+P2)/2

Formula for calculating the Final Grade (FG) in continuous assessment: FG=0.5(T+P)=0.5[(T1+T2)/2 + (P1+P2)/2]

Students pass the Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing course when they obtain a final grade equal to or higher than 9.5 points, calculated by weighting the continuous assessment tools.

Final Exam Assessment

The final exam assessment is conducted through a written exam with a Theoretical Component (T) (50%) and a Practical Component (P) (50%).

Students pass the Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing course when they obtain a final grade equal to or higher than 9.5 points, calculated by weighting the assessment tools in the final exam.

Formula for calculating the Final Grade (FG) for the final exam: FG=0.5(T+P)

If a student fails the continuous assessment, they may take the final exam. The conditions for exam evaluation, including regular, retake, and special exams, are described in the regulations for evaluating student performance at the Coimbra School of Agriculture, ref: RG_RAAE, dated July 26, 2013, and other applicable legislation.

NAO