Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Major body systems include:
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Musculo-skeletal system
Endocrine system
Nervous system, including sensory system - eye and ear
Digestive system
Urinary system
Reproductive system
Integumentary system
Lymphatic system
The special senses - smell, taste, vision, equilibrium and hearing
Immune system


Common problems to be identified may include:
Cardio vascular problems , such as
congestive cardiac failure
angina pectoris
cardiac arrest
thrombosis
Dental problems, such as:
gingivitis
halitosis
Digestive system problems, such as:
gastro-intestinal bleeding
gastroenteritis
Ear health conditions, such as:
otitis media
impairment
Endocrine system problems, such as:
diabetes mellitus
Eye problems, such as:
myopia
impairment
cataracts
Gastro-intestinal and abdominal conditions, such as:
gallstones
gastroenteritis
diverticulitis
continued ...


Common problems to be identified may include:(contd)
Genitourinary conditions, such as:
UTI
incontinence
dysuria
prostatic cancer
Integumentary system problems, such as:
burns
open wounds
wound infection
Musculo-skeletal system problems, such as:
soft tissue injury
fractures
Nervous system problems, such as:
cerebrovascular accident
seizure
dementia
Reproductive system problems, such as:
obstetric emergencies
Respiratory system problems, such as:
bronchospasm (asthma and anaphylaxis)
upper respiratory tract infection
Skin condition, infections and wounds, such as:
impetigo
dermatitis


Factors with potential to impact physical health may include but are not limited to:
External factors, such as:
diet and nutritional factors
use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances
environmental factors impacting health
level and type of physical activity
Internal factors, such as:
inter-relationship between body systems
emotional responses
patterns of thinking
disease process
pathogens


Organisation requirements may include but are not limited to:
Clinical practice guidelines
Protocols
Organisation policies and/or procedures


Own capability or authority may include but is not limited to:
Authority to practice
Organisation policies


Observation and/or questioning may depend upon:
Status of client (may be under anaesthetic or even deceased, depending on particular area of practice)


Health history may include:
History of any presenting problem (character, severity and duration of symptoms)
History of any actual or potential problems associated with activities of daily living
Client concerns and beliefs regarding their problems
Past health history, including use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances
Medications being taken
Allergies
Family circumstances, including identifying environmental health factors that may contribute to client's health issues
Basic dietary information, including diet history to determine food and drink intake


Factors responsible for abnormal readings may include:
Differences in temperature measurements due to a range of internal and external body factors
Effect of exertion and anxiety on pulse rate and blood pressure
Faulty equipment or improper use of equipment
Failure to correctly calibrate equipment
Impact of environmental factors on equipment


Information provided to client may include:
Summary of health assessment findings
Information about potential impact of a range of internal and external factors on health.
Information on likely causes and management of uncomplicated health conditions.
Information on strategies to maintain good health and manage chronic health problems.
Information on specific health issues and available health care services/treatments.

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:
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply Essential Knowledge identified for this competency unit before undertaking workplace application
This competency unit should be assessed in conjunction with competency unit(s) related to specific health care services (e.g. complementary therapies, enrolled nursing, dental or out-of-hospital care)
Evidence must demonstrate the individual's ability to apply their knowledge within the requirements of an identified aspect of delivering health care or health care support services
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations relevant to an identified work role


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


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
Where, for reasons of safety, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible.
Simulation assessment should be carried out prior to workplace assessment.
Resources for assessment may include access to materials and space as required to demonstrate competence, such as:
Relevant organisation policies and procedures
Anatomical models, charts and/or diagrams as required to support explanations
Relevant equipment
Workplace and simulated work environment.


Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the work place with questioning to address appropriate application of knowledge
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Questioning - verbal and/or written
Role-play / simulation


Related units:
This unit must be assessed in conjunction with competency units related to assessment of clients for a particular area of health care delivery (e.g. units in assessing clients for care involving complementary therapies, enrolled nursing, dental or ambulance response)