Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Kat Price VN, Brighton Veterinary Surgery, QLD
The BM3 is a multi-parameter unit we use with anaesthetised patients. As a veterinary nurse, a unit like this is an absolute necessity for surgical cases as it effectively assists in backing up your skills.
What’s good about it
The BM3 monitors blood pressure, temperature, ECG, CO2 and oxygen levels. The internal temperature probe is handy as you don’t have to disturb the veterinarian getting underneath the drapes. The probe goes down into the oesophagus and records a core temperature. It’s a more accurate method than a rectal thermometer because under anaesthesia, it’s not unusual for a patient’s rectum to fill with faecal matter which can create an inaccurate reading.
As a nurse, the core rule is that you monitor the patient first and then the machine. I feel and gauge extremities, making sure they’re not too cold. I’m also watching the patient’s respiration rate and effort, assessing heart rates, mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time, while gauging patient anaesthetic depth and how much anaesthetic agent is being used. The BM3 aids me in monitoring my patient and assists in a safer anaesthetic.
The unit has an audible alarm if any readings drop below the parameters you have set. While there is nothing better than human observations and interaction, the BM3 quantifies the results accurately.
What’s not so good
While this unit is reliable, you should never just trust the readings. Many external variables can have an impact and give an inaccurate reading. First and foremost, you must rely on your nursing skills. This machine is an excellent back-up, particularly with anaesthetised patients, allowing you to check any concerns about a patient’s vitals by referring to the patient monitor.
