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Mastering pain: Pharmacology and physiology for veterinary nurses

Tracks
Stream One - Plaza Terrace
Thursday, March 26, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Plaza Terrace

Overview

Annie Smith


Speaker

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Annie Smith
Surgery & Anaesthesia Technician
Queensland Veterinary Specialists

Mastering pain: Pharmacology and physiology for veterinary nurses

Abstract

Pain is one of the most critical – and often complex – aspects of patient care. This engaging and practical session is designed specifically for veterinary nurses to deepen their understanding of pain physiology and analgesic pharmacology, empowering them to play a proactive role in pain recognition and management.
We'll begin by breaking down the pain pathway, exploring how pain is detected, transmitted, and perceived in your patients. From there, we'll delve into the pharmacology of analgesia – including how commonly used drugs like NSAIDs, opioids, local anaesthetics, and adjunctive agents work to interrupt this pathway.
Through case-based discussion and real-world application, attendees will gain a practical framework for choosing and evaluating analgesic protocols, monitoring pain effectively, and advocating for patient comfort. Whether you're new to anaesthesia or looking to refine your understanding, this session will leave you more confident in your ability to assess, treat, and prevent pain across a range of clinical scenarios.

Biography

Annie Smith is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia with a passion for critical anaesthesia monitoring, patient safety, and education. After graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2019, she began her career in general practice before discovering her love for surgical nursing and anaesthesia.  Annie is dedicated to helping veterinary professionals build confidence in managing anaesthetic cases through practical training and open, supportive education. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences to make anaesthesia more approachable and to inspire others to advance their own skills and understanding.
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