Annual Conference for Veterinary Nurses

Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Treatment

Dr. Nate Kapaldo, DVM, MPH, DACVA

Intraoperative hypotension is one of the most common anesthetic complications—and one of the most consequential. This session focuses on practical, physiology-driven blood pressure management with a clear objective: maintaining adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

We begin by reviewing what blood pressure truly represents and how it reflects the interaction between cardiac output, vascular resistance, and intravascular volume. Participants will revisit why mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the most clinically relevant value for organ perfusion and how to interpret systolic and oscillometric readings appropriately. Common pitfalls in non-invasive monitoring, cuff selection and technical error will also be addressed to improve accuracy and confidence.

From there, we develop a structured approach to hypotension. Discussion will include practical use of fluids, anticholinergics, vasopressors, inotropes and inopressors.

This session emphasizes identifying and treating the underlying cause—allowing clinicians to manage hypotension efficiently, safely, and with intention.

Clinical Case Scenario

Dr. Nate Kapaldo, DVM, MPH, DACVAA

Anesthetic management is rarely linear. This interactive, case-based session applies physiologic principles and pharmacologic knowledge to real-time clinical decision-making. This will use information from the session preceding it.

Using a structured clinical scenario involving intraoperative hypotension, participants will work through assessment, prioritization, and treatment selection. Together, we will analyze patient context, anesthetic depth, monitoring data, and likely causes. Is the primary issue reduced vascular resistance? Decreased cardiac output? Bradycardia? Relative or absolute hypovolemia? More importantly—what should be done first?

This session emphasizes concise and organized thinking. Attendees will practice a stepwise approach. Timing, reassessment, and titration will be highlighted to reinforce thoughtful intervention rather than reflexive treatment.

Practical discussion of constant rate infusions will be incorporated. The goal is to build confidence, sharpen problem-solving skills, and develop a repeatable framework that can be immediately applied to anesthetic cases in daily practice.

General Anesthesia Recovery

Dr. Nate Kapaldo, DVM, MPH, DACVAA

The recovery period is one of the highest-risk phases of anesthesia, and a significant portion of anesthetic morbidity and mortality occurs after the procedure is complete. This session focuses on making recovery deliberate, controlled and safe.

We will review the essential steps of recovery, including discontinuation of inhalant anesthetic, oxygen management, timing of extubation and post-extubation monitoring. Special attention will be given to hypoventilation and hypoxemia following inhalant anesthesia, including why patients who appear stable on oxygen may desaturate when transitioned to room air. Participants will learn to recognize and manage common recovery complications such as airway obstruction, dysphoria, regurgitation, hypothermia and delayed recovery.

This session emphasizes anticipation over reaction. By understanding recovery physiology and identifying risks early, clinicians can reduce complications, improve patient safety and ensure anesthetic success extends through the final stage of care.

Q&A

Dr. Nate Kapaldo, DVM, MPH, DACVAA