AVTAA - DEFINITION OF ANESTHESIA

In collaboration with a veterinarian, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) practice according to their expertise, state statutes or regulations, and institutional policy.
VTS (anesthesia) administer anesthesia and anesthesia-related care in four general categories:

    1.       Pre-anesthetic preparation and evaluation 
    2.       Anesthesia induction, maintenance and emergence 
    3.       Post-anesthesia care 
    4.       Anesthetic equipment maintenance 

The VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

Performing and documenting a pre-anesthetic assessment and evaluation of the patient, including in collaboration with a veterinarian, requesting consultations and diagnostic studies, administering pre-anesthetic medications and fluids.

In collaboration with a veterinarian developing and implementing an anesthetic plan.

In collaboration with a veterinarian selecting and initiating the planned anesthetic technique which may include: general, regional, local anesthesia or intravenous injectables for maintenance of anesthesia. 

In collaboration with a veterinarian selecting, obtaining, or administering the anesthetics, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, and fluids necessary to manage the anesthetic, to maintain the patient's physiologic homeostasis, and to correct abnormal responses to the anesthesia or procedure.

In collaboration with a veterinarian selecting, applying, or inserting appropriate non-invasive and invasive monitoring modalities for collecting and interpreting patient physiological data. 

Managing a patient's airway and pulmonary status using endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy, and extubation.

Managing emergence and recovery from anesthesia by administering medications, fluids, or ventilatory support in order to maintain homeostasis, to provide relief from pain and anesthesia side effects, or to prevent or manage complications.

Releasing or discharging patients from a post-anesthesia care area. In collaboration with a veterinarian, providing post-anesthesia follow-up evaluation and care related to anesthesia side effects or complications.  NOTE: This is not the same as discharging a patient from the hospital. 

Assessing and managing an appropriate perioperative pain management protocol. 

In collaboration with a veterinarian respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administration of emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques. 

Inspect the anesthesia machine, endotracheal tubes and all other anesthesia equipment before and after use assuring that the anesthetic machine and all other equipment is in proper working order.