Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:28 AM AWST
23/07/2026 3:28 AM 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.
Prepare and assist with the preparation of the client for anaesthesia
Prepare and assist with the preparation of the client for anaesthesia
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAN402D
HLTAN402D
State Code
WD051
WD051
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 preparation of the client prior to administration of anaesthesia
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive client
- 1.1 Greet and reassure client prior to administration of anaesthesia
- 1.2 Inform client about the preparation to be completed by anaesthetic technician
- 1.3 Carry out checks to confirm that all required preparation has been completed
- 1.4 Correlate client's identification wristband, client notes, consent form and confirm operating list
- 1.5 Obtain verbal confirmation of client's identity, type and site of operation from the client where condition permits and according to organisation policy
- 1.6 Monitor the client's safety through continual observation, as required
- 1.7 Identify, record and immediately report any variations, discrepancies and changes to the client, their documentation or their wishes to the anaesthetist and other relevant personnel
- 1.8 Acknowledge accompanying relatives and carers sensitively and appropriately
- 1.9 Label client property and store securely and in accordance with organisation policy
2. Attach/detach equipment to/from client
- 2.1 Select required equipment in accordance with anaesthetist's preference and attach correctly
- 2.2 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions
- 2.3 Undertake skin preparation prior to attachment of equipment, as necessary
- 2.4 Set equipment in operation
- 2.5 Carefully detach equipment with minimum risk of damage to client, staff or equipment, once the anaesthetist indicates that it is no longer required
- 2.6 Clean equipment in accordance with departmental infection control policies and manufacturer's instructions prior to storage
- 2.7 Safely store equipment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, or prepare for re-use
- 2.8 Follow established procedures if equipment is found to be faulty
3. Provide assistance in siting intra-vascular cannula
- 3.1 Check anaesthetist's requirements
- 3.2 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions
- 3.3 Check individual needs of the client and provide the appropriate equipment for the anaesthetist
- 3.4 Select and prepare required equipment in an aseptic manner
- 3.5 Provide optimum conditions to facilitate access
- 3.6 Following insertion, adequately and safely secure the cannula and provide accessibility
- 3.7 Dispose of waste/sharps in accordance with waste management policies and infection control guidelines
4. Assist with transfer of clients
- 4.1 Plan to transfer client into procedural/operating room under the direction of the anaesthetist is confirmed
- 4.2 Ensure relevant personnel are aware of the actions to be performed
- 4.3 Detach equipment not required from the client before the transfer takes place as directed by the anaesthetist
- 4.4 Ensure equipment attached to the client is safely and correctly adjusted during transfer
- 4.5 Employ safe lifting and handling techniques during client transfer
- 4.6 Conduct the client transfer at the direction of the anaesthetist and ensure movement is conducted safely and client discomfort minimised
- 4.7 Correctly re-connect and adjust equipment on completion of transfer, as necessary
- 4.8 Maintain client's dignity and give reassurance when necessary
5. Assist with positioning clients for clinical/operative procedures
- 5.1 Inform client of positioning procedures to be completed by technician, reassure, as far as possible, and seek his/her cooperation when appropriate
- 5.2 Position client under the direction of the anaesthetist to meet the requirements of the anaesthetist and surgeon
- 5.3 Ensure all relevant equipment is available, is functioning correctly and is correctly attached/placed in accordance with the anaesthetist's and surgeon's preferences and the individual needs of the client
- 5.4 Ensure client is protected from injury in collaboration with other relevant health professionals
- 5.5 Obtain assistance to position client when necessary
- 5.6 Observe any abnormal responses and report any action required to be taken to the anaesthetist/medical officer
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.
Clients requiring anaesthetics may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Required client preparation may include:
Fasting
Premedication
Procedural investigations
Preparation of procedural site e.g. bowel preparation, shave, nail polish removed
Clients condition may include:
Conscious
Unconscious
Traumatised
Compromised
Pregnancy
Client property may include:
Dentures
Prosthesis
Clothing
Toys
Equipment to be attached/detached may include:
Breathing systems and attachments
Monitoring equipment includes:
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
Intravascular monitoring
Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent
Expired/inspired volume/pressure
Neuromuscular transmission
Cardiac output monitoring
Cerebral activity monitoring
Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment includes:
Infusion equipment, including rapid transfusion equipment
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Neuromuscular function monitor
Operating table and attachments for positioning and pressure care
Anti-embolus equipment
Humidifiers
Scissors, clamps and forceps
Materials for fibreoptic intubation
Materials for subarachnoid epidural or regional nerve blocks, all eye blocks
Intra-vascular cannulation must include:
Venous
Peripheral
Central
Arterial
Pulmonary artery catheter
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
Client details e.g. age, gender, health status, problems anticipated
Procedure to be undertaken
Equipment and materials for procedure
Preparation and assistance when required by the anaesthetist may include:
Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory legislation and organisation policies and procedures ensuring:
anaesthetist's requirements are checked
personal protective equipment are utilised in accordance with standard and additional precautions
individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed
client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure
optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided
cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner
cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided
documentation is completed
waste/sharps are disposed of in accordance with waste management policies and infection control guidelines
Transfer of clients may include movement to and from:
Trolleys
Beds
Operating table
Wheelchairs
Attached equipment may include:
Monitoring equipment
Infusions
Airways
Drains
Neonatal transfer equipment
Catheters
Traction equipment
Safe transfer of the client may include:
Client remains informed
Head and limbs of client are protected
Smooth movements
Wheel brakes are locked
Client positions may include:
Supine
Prone
Lithotomy
Trendelenberg/reverse
Lateral
Jack knife
Sitting
Specific positioning related to the operative/clinical procedure
Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which may include:
General/regional/local anaesthetic and sedation
Fibreoptic intubation
Radiology/radiotherapy anaesthesia
General surgery
Gastro-intestinal surgery
Ear, nose and throat surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Gynaecological surgery
Obstetric surgery
Orthopaedic surgery
Vascular surgery
Urologic surgery
Oral/dental/maxillofacial surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery
Neurological surgery
Plastic surgery
Trauma/emergency surgery
Protecting client from injury may include:
Support/padding
Careful movement of joints
Avoiding sudden and abnormal movements
Protection from large temperature changes
Protection from pressure
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.
Clients requiring anaesthetics may include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Required client preparation may include:
Fasting
Premedication
Procedural investigations
Preparation of procedural site e.g. bowel preparation, shave, nail polish removed
Clients condition may include:
Conscious
Unconscious
Traumatised
Compromised
Pregnancy
Client property may include:
Dentures
Prosthesis
Clothing
Toys
Equipment to be attached/detached may include:
Breathing systems and attachments
Monitoring equipment includes:
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
Intravascular monitoring
Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent
Expired/inspired volume/pressure
Neuromuscular transmission
Cardiac output monitoring
Cerebral activity monitoring
Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment includes:
Infusion equipment, including rapid transfusion equipment
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Neuromuscular function monitor
Operating table and attachments for positioning and pressure care
Anti-embolus equipment
Humidifiers
Scissors, clamps and forceps
Materials for fibreoptic intubation
Materials for subarachnoid epidural or regional nerve blocks, all eye blocks
Intra-vascular cannulation must include:
Venous
Peripheral
Central
Arterial
Pulmonary artery catheter
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
Client details e.g. age, gender, health status, problems anticipated
Procedure to be undertaken
Equipment and materials for procedure
Preparation and assistance when required by the anaesthetist may include:
Siting venous cannula in accordance with state/territory legislation and organisation policies and procedures ensuring:
anaesthetist's requirements are checked
personal protective equipment are utilised in accordance with standard and additional precautions
individual needs of the client are checked and action to meet those needs is completed
client is informed and reassured throughout the procedure
optimum conditions to facilitate access are provided
cannulation is completed in an aseptic manner
cannula is adequately and safely secured and accessibility provided
documentation is completed
waste/sharps are disposed of in accordance with waste management policies and infection control guidelines
Transfer of clients may include movement to and from:
Trolleys
Beds
Operating table
Wheelchairs
Attached equipment may include:
Monitoring equipment
Infusions
Airways
Drains
Neonatal transfer equipment
Catheters
Traction equipment
Safe transfer of the client may include:
Client remains informed
Head and limbs of client are protected
Smooth movements
Wheel brakes are locked
Client positions may include:
Supine
Prone
Lithotomy
Trendelenberg/reverse
Lateral
Jack knife
Sitting
Specific positioning related to the operative/clinical procedure
Clinical procedures covers the surgical procedure and the type of anaesthetic which may include:
General/regional/local anaesthetic and sedation
Fibreoptic intubation
Radiology/radiotherapy anaesthesia
General surgery
Gastro-intestinal surgery
Ear, nose and throat surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Gynaecological surgery
Obstetric surgery
Orthopaedic surgery
Vascular surgery
Urologic surgery
Oral/dental/maxillofacial surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery
Neurological surgery
Plastic surgery
Trauma/emergency surgery
Protecting client from injury may include:
Support/padding
Careful movement of joints
Avoiding sudden and abnormal movements
Protection from large temperature changes
Protection from pressure
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
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
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
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
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
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
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
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5752 | HLTAN402C | Prepare and assist with the preparation of the client for anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA83 | HLTANA001 | Prepare clients for 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 |