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.


Understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology includes knowledge of the major body systems::
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Musculo-skeletal system
Endocrine system
Nervous system
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, but are not limited to:
Common respiratory problems, such as:
asthma
upper respiratory tract infection
Genitourinary conditions, such as:
incontinence
dysuria
prostatic cancer
Gastro-intestinal and abdominal conditions, such as:
gallstones
gastroenteritis
diverticulitis
appendicitis
Ear health conditions, such as:
otitis media
impairment
Skin condition, infections and wounds, such as:
impetigo
dermatitis
pressure sores
Dental problems, such as:
gingivitis
halitosis
abscesses
Eye problems, such as:
myopia
impairment
cataracts
Cardio vascular problems , such as
congestive cardiac failure
thrombosis
Nervous problems, such as:
cerebrovascular accident
dementia


Factors with potential to impact 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
surgical insult and anaesthesia
Internal factors, such as:
inter-relationship between body systems
emotional responses
patterns of thinking
disease process
pathogens


A health history may include:
History of any presenting problem (character, severity and duration of symptoms)
Client concerns and beliefs regarding their problems
Past health history, including use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances
Previous surgery
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 nutrition and fluid 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
Surgical insult and anaesthesia


Information provided to client may include:
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 independent workplace application
This competency unit should be assessed in conjunction with relevant competency unit(s) in delivery of specific services (e.g. complementary therapies, nursing or dental 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 to a specific age group
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
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 written
Role-play / simulation


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with competency unit(s) related to planning/delivery of specific health care services (e.g. complementary therapies, nursing or dental care)