Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:56 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide assistance during emergence phase of anaesthesia
Provide assistance during emergence phase of anaesthesia
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAN404D
HLTAN404D
State Code
WD053
WD053
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance in the immediate post- procedural stage during the emergence phase of anaesthesia
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare drugs and equipment for emergence phase
- 1.1 Select and prepare equipment for the administration of drugs and ensure it is in the correct condition for use
- 1.2 Collect, check and prepare drugs for administration under the direction of the anaesthetist and within national legislation and organisation policies and procedures
- 1.3 Identify allergies, contra-indications and side effects which may affect the safe administration of drugs and refer to the anaesthetist
- 1.4 Prepare site following site selection by the anaesthetist and under the direction of the anaesthetist
- 1.5 Handle and dispose of sharps safely
- 1.6 Select and check equipment for airway management and ensure it is made available for use
2. Assist in management of client's airway during emergence phase
- 2.1 Assist anaesthetist with client positioning to facilitate management of client's airway
- 2.2 Assist anaesthetist to optimise oxygenation of client
- 2.3 Select, prepare and handle equipment in accordance with WHS and infection control policies and procedures
- 2.4 Assist anaesthetist as required during intubation and extubation
- 2.5 Provide reassurance to the client and take action to limit injury in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 2.6 Observe client's condition throughout the procedure and take action when required or at the direction of the anaesthetist
- 2.7 Dispose of contaminated equipment and body fluids safely in accordance with waste management policies
3. Administration of drugs following and under the direction of the anaesthetist consistent with practice and procedure and state and territory legislation
- 3.1 Explain intended actions to provide reassurance and elicit cooperation from client
- 3.2 Refer potential problems to the anaesthetist prior to administration
- 3.3 Administer the drug in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and state/territory legislation
- 3.4 Complete documentation
4. Restore equipment and environment at completion of procedure and following transfer of client
- 4.1 Clean, disinfect and/or sterilise equipment as required and in accordance with infection control guidelines and manufacturer's instructions
- 4.2 Manage faulty equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 4.3 Dispose of disposable items in accordance with waste management policies
- 4.4 Handle soiled linen in accordance with infection control guidelines
- 4.5 Restock consumables
- 4.6 Clean and restore environment
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Drugs may include:
Anaesthetic reversal drugs
Drugs associated with anaesthetic emergencies
Analgesia and antimetics
Equipment for the administration of drugs may include:
Syringes
Needles
Needleless system
Infusion pump, including client controlled analgesia
Nebulisers via tracheal tube
Medicine cups
Antiseptics
Sharps container
Drug administration routes may include:
Intra-muscular
Oral
Rectal
Sub-cutaneous
Inhalation/nebulisation
Topical
Intravenous
Equipment for airway management must include:
Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Range of laryngoscopes, laryngoscope blades and handies
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Light wand
Difficult intubation equipment
Intubation aids
Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
Self inflating bag
Face masks
Nebulisers
Anaesthetic circuits
Breathing systems and attachments
Connectors
Filters
Mouth gags
Video equipment
Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Pregnant women
Impaired
Traumatised
Unconscious
Immuno-compromised
Male
Female
Documentation may include:
Client's notes/charts
Hospital records
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Drugs may include:
Anaesthetic reversal drugs
Drugs associated with anaesthetic emergencies
Analgesia and antimetics
Equipment for the administration of drugs may include:
Syringes
Needles
Needleless system
Infusion pump, including client controlled analgesia
Nebulisers via tracheal tube
Medicine cups
Antiseptics
Sharps container
Drug administration routes may include:
Intra-muscular
Oral
Rectal
Sub-cutaneous
Inhalation/nebulisation
Topical
Intravenous
Equipment for airway management must include:
Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Range of laryngoscopes, laryngoscope blades and handies
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Light wand
Difficult intubation equipment
Intubation aids
Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
Self inflating bag
Face masks
Nebulisers
Anaesthetic circuits
Breathing systems and attachments
Connectors
Filters
Mouth gags
Video equipment
Clients requiring anaesthetic may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Pregnant women
Impaired
Traumatised
Unconscious
Immuno-compromised
Male
Female
Documentation may include:
Client's notes/charts
Hospital records
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning verbal and written
Role play/simulation
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning verbal and written
Role play/simulation
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5754 | HLTAN404C | Provide assistance during emergence phase of anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA80 | HLTANA003 | Assist with airway management | Unit of competency |
| AVA82 | HLTANA002 | Monitor clients during anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J089 | HLT42612 | Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology | Qualification |
| J103 | HLT50612 | Diploma of Paramedical Science (Anaesthesia) | Qualification |