The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included. |
Surgical procedures may include: | procedures for both small and large animals, including orthopaedic, ophthalmic and soft tissuedefined surgical procedures, including diathermy and cryosurgery. |
Pre-operative care advice may include: | fasting and limited fluid intake. |
Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuriesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalhandling of chemicals and medicinesgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)slippery or uneven work surfaceszoonoses. |
Sourcing surgical packs may include: | identifying which packs are required for which proceduresgrouping packs for each patient and adding extra requirements, such as:bandaging equipmentscalpel bladessuture materials. |
Pre-operative processes may include but are not limited to: | weighing patientsnoting patient's previous experience with general anaestheticaccessing blankets, protective gloves and anaesthetic boxesaseptic preparation of operating areas and injection sitesselecting appropriate endotracheal tubespreparing correct quantities of anaesthetic agents under veterinary supervisionadministering necessary premedication, medication and analgesia under veterinary supervision. |
Animal preparation may include: | applying restraining devices:muzzles, rearing bits, head collars, halters or hobblesclipping, shaving and pre-surgical skin preparation routinesfurther preparation under veterinary supervision may extend to:administration of necessary premedication, intubation and the insertion of intravenous or urinary catheterspreparation of equipment and materials for intravenous infusions. |
Use and types of analgesics may include: | administration of analgesics may be used for the provision of:pre-emptive analgesiainter-operative analgesiapost-operative analgesiaanalgesia types administered by the veterinarian or under veterinary supervision:non-steroidal anti-inflammatorynarcotic and other analgesics. |
Sterile assistance may include: | nurse may be required to scrub-up, glove, cap and gown in order to provide sterile equipment in a sterile field. |
Routines may include: | adjustment of lights, equipment and the patient as directed by the surgeonpresentation, alignment and exposure of the surgical site as directed by the surgeonpresentation of sterile packs, individual instruments, equipment and suturing materialsreceiving, preparation and dispatch of pathological samples under veterinary supervision. |
Types of anaesthesia may include: | gaseous and injectable preparationsintermittent positive pressure ventilations. |
Pain and vital signs monitoring and recording may include: | audible, visual or measured signs of pain:arching backbehavioural changesbiting and kickingdisplacement of boneselevated temperatureincreased respirationincreased vocalisationwithdrawal of affected limbsstrainingtrembling and changes in normal physiologyvital signs and reflexes monitored under anaesthesia:blood pressurepulse rate and qualityrespiratory rate and effortrectal temperaturepulse oximetry and blood gasesanaesthesia depthcapillary refill timepalpebral reflexheart ratemucous membrane colourpedal withdrawal reflex. |
Emergency procedures related to anaesthesia may be required for: | anaesthetic emergencieshaemorrhagehypothermia or hyperthermiarespiratory distressshock. |
Post-operative anaesthesia procedures may include: | continued monitoring of vital signsextubationmonitoring wounds, bandages and surgical sites for any abnormalitiespositioning of patient recumbency in consideration of recovery phase and surgical site and adjustment of intravenous fluid therapy rates as directed by the surgeon. |
Abnormalities may include: | post-operative abnormalities in wounds and surgical sites:haemorrhage or other exudationswelling and self-traumaother abnormalities:cold extremitiesdelayed recoveryincreased heart rateincreased respiratory rate or abdominal distensionlow body temperaturepale mucous membranes. |
Post-operative patient management procedures may include: | care and continued monitoring of vital signs and observation of abnormalities prior to an animal's releaseadvice to the owner, in line with veterinarian's instructions, regarding administering medicine, general care and follow-up treatment and/or follow-up visits. |