Veterinary Technician how-to

How to Monitor Anesthesia

Careful monitoring keeps surgical patients safe.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Careful monitoring keeps surgical patients safe. In short: record; confirm; monitor, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Record baseline vitals before induction.

  2. Confirm the endotracheal tube is placed and secured.

  3. Monitor heart rate, respiration, SpO2, blood pressure and temperature.

  4. Check anesthetic depth regularly.

  5. Record vitals every few minutes.

  6. Alert the veterinarian to changes.

Safety reminders for veterinary technicians

  • Use proper restraint to prevent bites
  • Wear radiation protection
  • Follow anesthetic gas safety
  • Lift animals with help

Triage · Venipuncture · IV catheter · Anesthesia monitoring · Radiograph · CBC: see the full veterinary technician glossary.

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