Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and monitor anaesthesia and analgesics in animals for surgical and medical procedures.
The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who prepare and monitor patients for anaesthesia and analgesics need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for anaesthesia | 1.1 Prepare surgery and ensure personnel are ready for anaesthesia according to practice policy and procedures 1.2 Prepare and test equipment to ensure appropriate function for procedure 1.3 Set-up anaesthetic and analgesia monitoring equipment according to practice policy and procedures 1.4 Ensure the correct use and storage of anaesthetic gases including scavenging of gases according to practice policy and procedures |
2. Prepare animals for anaesthesia procedures | 2.1 Handle, restrain and position animals safely according to practice policies and procedures 2.2 Assess animal physical health status and body condition and note any abnormalities 2.3 Perform a pre-anaesthetic evaluation on animals according to practice polies and procedures 2.4 Prepare anaesthetic and analgesic plan for each patient, under the guidance of the veterinarian 2.5 Calculate and prepare anaesthetic and analgesic drugs specific for the animal under the guidance of the veterinarian 2.6 Identify and locate animal anatomical features relevant to the administration of drugs for induction of anaesthesia and anaesthetic monitoring 2.7 Identify and know the physiological effects of anaesthesia on different body systems 2.8 Follow safe work practices according to WHS and practice policies and procedures |
3. Assist in administering anaesthesia and monitoring animals | 3.1 Assist in the induction of anaesthesia according to legislative requirements and practice policies and procedures 3.2 Assist with endotracheal intubation 3.3 Monitor animal and chart animal’s vital signs 3.4 Identify stages and planes of anaesthesia and communicate with the veterinarian any abnormal values and be able to initiate an appropriate response to correct abnormality 3.5 Identify an anaesthetic emergency and provide assistance under the guidance of the veterinarian 3.6 Monitor and record changes in the post-operative period |
4. Assist in administering analgesia for animals | 4.1 Identify, monitor and assess analgesic requirements in animals 4.2 Provide analgesia to manage pain in animals under veterinary guidance 4.3 Provide supportive therapies to manage pain 4.4 Monitor animals by evaluating behaviour, vital signs, clinical signs and using recognised pain scoring scales 4.5 Recognise and respond to emergencies immediately according to practice policies and procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral Communication | Listen to and clarify veterinarian’s instructions |
Numeracy | Calculate accurate dosages of anaesthetics and analgesics |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)