Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:33 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:33 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.
Provide assistance during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia
Provide assistance during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAN403D
HLTAN403D
State Code
WD052
WD052
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 to the anaesthetist with the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assist in establishing and maintaining client's airway
- 1.1 Check anaesthetist's requirements
- 1.2 Check individual needs of the client and ensure the appropriate anaesthetic equipment is provided for the anaesthetist
- 1.3 Provide assistance to the anaesthetist as directed to position the client for establishing the airway
- 1.4 Select equipment and prepare and handle correctly and safely and in accordance with infection control guidelines
- 1.5 Provide assistance to the anaesthetist throughout induction procedure
- 1.6 Maintain client's airway when directed by the anaesthetist
- 1.7 Take all necessary precautions to prevent cross-infection and minimise trauma
- 1.8 Secure airway into position
2. Monitor the performance of anaesthetic equipment used
- 2.1 Ensure anaesthetic equipment is in working order and service records are current
- 2.2 Ensure warning devices are working and alarm limits are set in accordance with relevant standards
- 2.3 Observe anaesthetic equipment whilst in use and take action if a fault develops as directed by Anaesthetist to avoid danger to clients and staff
- 2.4 Follow established procedures to rectify faulty equipment
3. Provide assistance in monitoring the client during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia
- 3.1 Check client's physiological parameters when as directed by anaesthetist
- 3.2 Identify deviations from acceptable limits of the client's physiological parameters, check equipment for true reading and report to the anaesthetist
- 3.3 Identify signs of client discomfort, distress or adverse reaction, check equipment for true reading and report to the anaesthetist
- 3.4 Inform and reassure client, as appropriate, throughout the procedure
4. Measure and record clients' fluid balance
- 4.1 Accurately measure client's fluid intake and output/loss and record as directed by the anaesthetist
- 4.2 Promptly and accurately report any abnormal findings to the anaesthetist
- 4.3 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with standard and additional precautions
- 4.4 Dispose of waste safely and in accordance with infection control policy
5. Perform clinical measurements when directed by the anaesthetist
- 5.1 Select and prepare required equipment
- 5.2 Utilise personal protective equipment in accordance with additional precautions
- 5.3 Prepare client as required for test
- 5.4 Take sample as required, conduct measurement in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisation policies and procedures
- 5.5 Record findings promptly and accurately
- 5.6 Dispose of waste safely and in accordance with infection control policy
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.
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
Gynaecological surgery
Obstetric surgery
Orthopaedic surgery
Vascular surgery
Urological surgery
Oral/dental/maxillofacial surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery
Neurosurgery
Plastic surgery
Trauma/emergency surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Clients requiring anaesthetics include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Pregnant women
Impaired
Traumatised
Unconscious
Immuno-compromised
Male
Female
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
Procedure to be undertaken
Equipment and materials for procedure
Airway equipment must include:
Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Range of laryngoscopes
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Difficult intubation equipment
Intubation aids
Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
Throat packs
Self inflating bag
Anaesthetic circuits
Face masks
Connectors
Filters
Video equipment
Assistance provided during induction procedure must include:
Cricoid pressure
Laryngeal manipulation
Types of induction procedures must include:
Rapid sequence induction
Oral and nasal route
Tracheostomy
Equipment may include:
Anaesthetic machine and components, including alarms and scavenger
Ventilator and components
Vaporisers or other systems designed for delivery of inhalation anaesthetic agents
Breathing systems and attachments
Oxygen masks
Laryngoscopes
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Intubation aids, including difficult intubation equipment
Artificial airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
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
Doppler
Other equipment includes:
Infusion equipment, including rapid infusion equipment
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Neuromuscular function monitor
Calf stimulators/compression devices
Humidifiers
Materials for subarachnoid epidural or regional nerve blocks
Physiological parameters must include:
Blood pressure and pulse
Temperature
Circulation
Respiration
Oxygenation
Inspired/expired gases
Airway pressure
Neuro-muscular function
Level of consciousness
Fluids may include:
Blood
Urine
Gastro-intestinal fluids
Irrigation
Intravenous
Intra arterial
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gown
Gloves
Mask
Protective eyewear
Apron
Clinical measurements may include:
Arterial blood gas measurement
Blood sugar level measurement
Haemoglobin measurement
12 lead electrocardiograph
Coagulation times
Manual blood pressure and pulse
Client positions may include:
Supine
Prone
Lithotomy/Lloyd Davis
Trendelenberg/reverse
Lateral
Jack knife
Sitting
Specific positioning related to the operative/clinical procedure
Protecting client from injury may include:
Support/padding
Careful movement of joints
Avoiding sudden and abnormal movements
Protection from excessive heat loss
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.
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
Gynaecological surgery
Obstetric surgery
Orthopaedic surgery
Vascular surgery
Urological surgery
Oral/dental/maxillofacial surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery
Neurosurgery
Plastic surgery
Trauma/emergency surgery
Ophthalmic surgery
Clients requiring anaesthetics include:
Neonates
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Elderly
Pregnant women
Impaired
Traumatised
Unconscious
Immuno-compromised
Male
Female
Anaesthetist's requirements may include:
Procedure to be undertaken
Equipment and materials for procedure
Airway equipment must include:
Range of nasal and oral endotracheal tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Range of laryngoscopes
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Difficult intubation equipment
Intubation aids
Oropharyngeal/nasal/laryngeal airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
Throat packs
Self inflating bag
Anaesthetic circuits
Face masks
Connectors
Filters
Video equipment
Assistance provided during induction procedure must include:
Cricoid pressure
Laryngeal manipulation
Types of induction procedures must include:
Rapid sequence induction
Oral and nasal route
Tracheostomy
Equipment may include:
Anaesthetic machine and components, including alarms and scavenger
Ventilator and components
Vaporisers or other systems designed for delivery of inhalation anaesthetic agents
Breathing systems and attachments
Oxygen masks
Laryngoscopes
Fibreoptic bronchoscopes
Intubation aids, including difficult intubation equipment
Artificial airways
Suction equipment for oesophageal and tracheal suction
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
Doppler
Other equipment includes:
Infusion equipment, including rapid infusion equipment
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Neuromuscular function monitor
Calf stimulators/compression devices
Humidifiers
Materials for subarachnoid epidural or regional nerve blocks
Physiological parameters must include:
Blood pressure and pulse
Temperature
Circulation
Respiration
Oxygenation
Inspired/expired gases
Airway pressure
Neuro-muscular function
Level of consciousness
Fluids may include:
Blood
Urine
Gastro-intestinal fluids
Irrigation
Intravenous
Intra arterial
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gown
Gloves
Mask
Protective eyewear
Apron
Clinical measurements may include:
Arterial blood gas measurement
Blood sugar level measurement
Haemoglobin measurement
12 lead electrocardiograph
Coagulation times
Manual blood pressure and pulse
Client positions may include:
Supine
Prone
Lithotomy/Lloyd Davis
Trendelenberg/reverse
Lateral
Jack knife
Sitting
Specific positioning related to the operative/clinical procedure
Protecting client from injury may include:
Support/padding
Careful movement of joints
Avoiding sudden and abnormal movements
Protection from excessive heat loss
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5753 | HLTAN403C | Provide assistance during induction and maintenance 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 |