Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:26 PM AWST

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Prepare patients for anaesthesia

Prepare patients for anaesthesia

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTANA008
State Code
ODQ77
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/06/2022
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
08/06/2022
Nominal Hours
135
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete specific patient related preparation tasks. It includes patient preparation and transfer, the attachment and detachment of equipment and positioning the patient for different procedures.The unit applies to anaesthetic technicians working under the direction of, and in consultation with, an anaesthetist in any hospital or day surgery setting.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive and prepare patient.
  • 1.1. Greet patient and undertake intake processes in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 1.2. Acknowledge accompanying relatives and carers displaying empathy and sensitivity.
  • 1.3. Obtain verbal confirmation of surgical procedure and location and ensure it matches with the consent form.
  • 1.4. Note any patient factors that impact on their care.
  • 1.5. Complete preparation tasks or check that these have been completed by others and provide clear information to patient.
  • 1.6. Monitor the patient’s safety, physical and emotional wellbeing through continual observation.
  • 1.7. Identify, record and immediately report any variations, discrepancies, changes to the patient, their documentation or their wishes to the anaesthetist and other relevant personnel.
  • 1.8. Label patient property and store securely in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.9. Participate in pre-list discussion with the other members of the operating team, if applicable.
  • 1.10. Ensure the requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist have been met.
2. Attach and detach equipment.
  • 2.1. Select routine monitoring and other equipment appropriate to the procedure in accordance with anaesthetist’s preference.
  • 2.2. Prepare skin and attach equipment correctly, following infection prevention and control procedures.
  • 2.3. Set equipment in operation and confirm functioning.
  • 2.4. Carefully detach equipment with minimum risk of damage to patient, staff or equipment, once the anaesthetist indicates that it is no longer required.
  • 2.5. Clean and store equipment ready for re-use.
3. Provide assistance with insertion of intravenous cannulation.
  • 3.1. Liaise with anaesthetist to confirm requirements.
  • 3.2. Observe patient behaviour and respond to situations where support is required.
  • 3.3. Provide optimum conditions to facilitate access.
  • 3.4. Prepare and provide anaesthetic medical officer with required equipment in an aseptic manner.
  • 3.5. Following insertion, adequately and safely secure the device if requested by the anaesthetist.
  • 3.6. Dispose of clinical waste and consumables in accordance with waste management policies and infection control guidelines.
  • 3.7. Ensure organisational policies and procedures are adhered to in regard to labelling, dating and documenting intravenous cannulation sites.
4. Assist with transfer of patients.
  • 4.1. Plan to transfer patient into procedural or operating room according to operational requirements.
  • 4.2. Ensure relevant personnel and patient are aware of the actions to be performed.
  • 4.3. Detach equipment and infusions not required from the patient before the transfer takes place using appropriate aseptic technique.
  • 4.4. Ensure equipment attached to the patient is safely and correctly adjusted during transfer.
  • 4.5. Employ safe moving and handling techniques during patient transfer in accordance with organisational manual handling policies and procedures.
  • 4.6. Ensure movement is conducted safely and patient discomfort minimised.
  • 4.7. Correctly re-connect and adjust equipment and infusions on completion of transfer, as necessary.
  • 4.8. Maintain dignity of patient during transfer.
5. Assist with positioning of patients.
  • 5.1. Inform patient of positioning procedures to be completed and seek their cooperation when appropriate.
  • 5.2. Position patient in consultation with other health care professionals.
  • 5.3. Ensure all relevant equipment is available, is functioning correctly, is correctly attached and placed in accordance with the anaesthetist’s and surgeon’s preferences and the individual needs of the patient.
  • 5.4. Ensure patient is protected from injury in collaboration with other relevant health professionals.
  • 5.5. Obtain assistance to position patient when necessary.
  • 5.6. Observe any abnormal responses and report any action required to be taken to the anaesthetist.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA83 HLTANA001 Prepare clients for anaesthesia Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHJ4 HLT57921 Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice Qualification