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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
  2. Obtain client information
  3. Perform basic physical examination
  4. Summarise and present findings
  5. Support client’s physical wellbeing
  6. Support client’s physical wellbeing

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.

There must be evidence that the candidate has:

worked with at least five Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including infants, adults and children to:

- conduct a health assessment of each client by:

o using a structured approach to assessment

o taking and recording relevant details of client’s history and current state, including body language

o observing and assessing client’s health in line with guidance

o using correct procedures and protocols to examine common client presentations

o using medical equipment correctly

o taking standard precautions for infection control

o summarising and reporting findings in line with organisation procedures and protocols

- interpret the outcomes of the assessment of each client by:

o identifying any significant variations from normal range of assessment outcomes for each client

o identifying and acting upon situations requiring urgent action according to organisation procedures

o recognising common uncomplicated health conditions from clinical features of each client

- used effective and culturally appropriate and safe communication and interaction with each client and/or significant others, including:

o eliciting relevant information from client or documents

o clearly explaining examination procedures and protocols to client

o making appropriate referrals

- recorded all findings in accordance with organisational procedures and policies with adherence to client confidentiality.


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role.

This includes knowledge of:

organisational policies and procedures and legislation or regulations relating to:

- client confidentiality

- referral, including various levels of urgency

- mandatory reporting

- notifiable communicable diseases

- limits of own ability and authority

infection control and workplace health and safety procedures

knowledge of anatomy and physiology to identify major body systems, relevant organs and their functions, including:

- cardiovascular system (including heart, arteries and veins)

- respiratory system (including lungs, nose, mouth, throat)

- senses (including sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste and equilibrium)

- skin and integumentary system (including skin layers, hair and nails)

- digestive and gastrointestinal system (including stomach, intestines, bowel)

- nervous system (including brain and nerves)

- circulatory system (including arteries, veins)

- genitourinary system (including male and female genital and reproductive systems)

- endocrine system (including glands and hormones)

- musculoskeletal system (skull, skeleton, muscles, body tissue)

common conditions and presenting problems associated with major body systems and relevant organs, including chronic conditions

acute chronic conditions impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities, including:

- cardiovascular disease

- diabetes

- cancer

- chronic respiratory disease

- chronic kidney disease

- asthma

- arthritis

features of chronic illness, including:

- complex causality

- multiple risk factors

- long latency periods

- a prolonged course of illness

- functional impairment or disability

determinants of chronic conditions, including:

- smoking

- physical inactivity

- nutrition

- alcohol intake

- use of illicit drugs

- obesity

purpose, procedures and equipment involved in the following examinations, including:

- clinical hand wash

- external physical observations

- adult and paediatric methods for measuring:

o temperature

o pulse and respiration

o blood pressure

o blood glucose level

o haemoglobin

o weight and height

o length

o head and waist circumference

o visual acuity and ear examination

o peak expiratory flow rate (peak flow meter)

o INR (a test for blood clotting)

o glycohaemoglobin

o spirometry (measuring lung function)

o ECG (to detect cardiac abnormalities)

‘normal’ range of outcomes of physical assessments

non-clinical reasons for significant variation from ‘normal’ range of outcomes

common over-the-counter and prescribed medicines used within the community and their general purposes

basic knowledge relating to pregnancy and birthing, including:

- basic mechanics of pregnancy and birthing

- impact of smoking and alcohol in pregnancy

- impact of chronic conditions on pregnancy and birthing.