Contents
Contents
Before you begin
v
How to work through this learner guide
v
Assessmentvi
Resourcesvii
Introduction: Confirming physical health status
1
Chapter 1: Obtaining information about physical health status
3
1.1 Working with a detailed understanding of the structure and functioning
of body systems
4
1.2 Considering a range of factors that may have impacted on an identified
physical condition
28
1.3 Obtaining information through observation and questioning to identify
any actual or potential problems regarding health status
36
Chapter summary
39
Discussion topics
39
Checklist for Chapter 1
39
Assessment activity 1: Obtaining information about physical health status
40
Record your employability skills
41
Chapter 2: Checking physical health status
43
2.1 Checking the health status of a client before delivering health
interventions or services
44
2.2 Clarifying the significance of physical health status in relation to a
particular intervention
52
2.3 Consulting appropriate people 60
Chapter summary
63
Discussion topics
64
Checklist for Chapter 2
64
Assessment activity 2: Checking physical health status
65
Record your employability skills
66
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HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
Chapter 3: Identifying variations from normal physical
health status
67
3.1 Identifying a range of signs and symptoms of variations from normal
health status
68
3.2 Identifying potential factors responsible for significant variations from
normal health status
77
3.3 Identifying potential risk factors associated with variations from normal
health status
82
3.4 Recognising and referring potentially serious issues in line with
organisation requirements 92
Chapter summary
95
Discussion topics
96
Checklist for Chapter 3
96
Assessment activity 3: Identifying variations from normal physical health status
97
Record your employability skills
98
Final assessment: HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
Employability skills
99
105
Appendices107
Appendix 1: How the learner guide addresses the unit of competency 107
Appendix 2: Employability skills
111
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Chapter 1: Obtaining information about physical health status
Chapter 1
Obtaining information about physical
health status
The human body is made up of major systems, including the cardiovascular system,
digestive system and respiratory system. A person’s health may be affected if one or
more of these systems is not functioning properly. Therefore, it is important that those
working in the leisure and health industry understand the structure and physiology of
each system and how they interact.
By understanding normal functioning, you are in a position to recognise variations, and
then act accordingly, which usually involves observation and questioning to identify a
person’s physical health status or any health issues they may be experiencing.
In this chapter you will learn about:
1.1 Working with a detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of body
systems
1.2 Considering a range of factors that may have impacted on an identified physical
condition
1.3 Obtaining information the through observation and questioning to identify any
actual or potential problems regarding health status
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Chapter 1: Obtaining information about physical health status
Common lymphatic system problems
The following table outlines some of the problems associated with the lymphatic system.
Problem
Explanation
Glandular fever
Glandular fever is an acute viral infection, with symptoms including
fever, sore throat and fluid around the tonsils and pharynx.
People with glandular fever may also have enlarged lymph nodes
(lymphadenopathy), enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) or
jaundice (yellow discolourations of the skin and eyes).
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system originating
from the white blood cells.
Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy is the term used to describe a swollen lymph
node.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s
lymphomas are found in the lymph nodes or lymphatic organs
and can develop in the liver, stomach, nervous system or in other
organs.
Oedema
Oedema is swelling caused by too much fluid in the tissues.
Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen caused by infection.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is caused by either bacteria or viruses infecting the tonsils
and inflaming them.
The special senses – vision, hearing, taste, smell and
equilibrium
The special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell and equilibrium and are
considered special due to their ability to enhance human life. These senses are used to
detect changes and react appropriately to external stimuli, such as temperature, fumes
and gases.
Vision
Vision allows us to sense the world around us. The eyes provide vision to allow us to
participate in communication by seeing nonverbal signs such as gestures and facial
expressions; recognising danger; and participating in activities of daily living. Refer to
the section ‘Sensory system’ for more information on the eye.
Hearing
The ears are responsible for processing aural (sound) information as well as maintaining
balance. Hearing, like vision, is important for communicating. Refer to the section
‘Sensory system’ for more information on the ear.
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HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
1.2 Considering a range of factors that may have
impacted on an identified physical condition
In the past, people waited until they were unwell before seeking medical advice.
However, in more recent times, healthcare professionals have recognised that it is easier
and more cost-effective to help a person maintain their good health than it is to cure a
person who is already unwell.
Ideas about health and illness have also changed. Health and illness were once seen
as being separate: a person was either sick or they were well. Now ideas about health
and illness are less fixed; there are different degrees of health, ranging from extreme ill
health (approaching death) through to the highest possible levels of wellbeing.
Optimum health is when a person enjoys good physical, mental and social health. As
you will discover, these three elements are interrelated.
General body processes
The following processes enable the body systems to function normally:
ƒƒ Metabolism
ƒƒ Nutrition
ƒƒ Body temperature regulation
ƒƒ Biological maturation
ƒƒ Inheritance
ƒƒ Ageing
Metabolism
Metabolism is the chemical reaction that occurs in all cells that essentially allows the
cells to live. Metabolic processes within cells include:
ƒƒ digestion
ƒƒ transportation of substances
ƒƒ breaking down of waste material
ƒƒ harvesting energy
ƒƒ using energy to construct proteins and other necessary substances.
The digestive system of the body absorbs food and liquid, which is metabolised by cells
in a form that the body can use.
Nutrition
Nutrition provides cells with the necessary materials needed for cell life; that is, it is the
process of food material being converted into living tissue. A healthy diet is an example
of good nutrition and enables the body to function normally and efficiently.
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Chapter 1: Obtaining information about physical health status
Chapter summary
ƒƒ There are 12 major body systems. It is crucial that you have a thorough
understanding of these body systems so you can understand the difference
between normal functioning and variations from normal functioning.
ƒƒ Body systems interrelate and affect each other.
ƒƒ When the body is at homeostasis, body systems function normally. When
homeostatic imbalance occurs, disease and illness is more likely.
ƒƒ The body has an immune function that is designed to protect the body from illness
and disease.
ƒƒ Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical exercise and exposure to toxins affect body
systems.
ƒƒ Mood, cognitive patterns and other internal factors affect body systems and how
they function.
ƒƒ Clear communication is very important when observing and asking questions
about a client’s physical condition to identify physical status.
Discussion topics
Learners in a classroom can form a discussion group or have a debate. Those in the
workplace might like to brainstorm these ideas with their colleagues. If you are learning
independently, you might like to set up a chatroom with other learners or ask a friend
for their opinion.
ƒƒ Do you think lifestyle has an effect on how our body systems function? Why or why
not?
ƒƒ Do you think any one body system functions independently or are they all
interrelated? Explain your answer.
ƒƒ What is the best method of communication when working with a client to identify
a physical condition?
Checklist for Chapter 1
Tick the box when you can do the following.
‰‰ Work with a detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of body systems
‰‰ Consider a range of factors that may have impacted on an identified physical condition
‰‰ Obtain information through observation and questioning to identify any actual or
potential problems regarding health status
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Chapter 2: Checking physical health status
Practice task 5
Read the scenario, then complete a table similar to the following.
Scenario
As part of your role in checking the physical health status of clients, it is important to clarify
the significance of physical health status in relation to a particular intervention in line with
your job role and your organisation requirements.
You have made the following observations as indicated in the table. Beside each
observation, in your own words, indicate its significance and then outline what you need
to do or who you need to refer to for each of your observations.
Observation
Significance
A client is having trouble
handling cutlery, pens or tools.
A client is having trouble
walking.
A client appears suddenly
dizzy, confused and can’t talk.
A client begins vomiting.
A client appears to be having
leg pain.
A client is having trouble
breathing.
A client is uncomfortable
in the chair they have been
sitting in all morning.
A client is passing urine
frequently.
A client is having severe chest
pain and then collapses; no
heartbeat is detected.
A client becomes unconscious.
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What to do/who to
refer to
HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
You must report all incidents or changes from normal functioning as soon as you
recognise them. The person you contact will vary depending on the situation.
The following is an example of a protocol for reporting incidents.
Example
When an incident occurs:
‚‚ Contact your supervisor where possible during, and certainly after, an incident.
‚‚ Reach an appropriate health professional if they are in the building as soon as possible.
‚‚ Reach a nurse as soon as possible.
‚‚ If you are off premises, phone the nurse-on-call service as soon as possible.
‚‚ If you are off premises and you suspect a potential emergency situation, call the ambulance
on 000 immediately.
Appropriate people
Your supervisor is the first person to refer to in a situation where a client’s health
status has changed. If they are not available, you should contact another supervisor or
manager, or call emergency services.
You can phone emergency services on 000 at any time of the day or night for medical
assistance. You will be asked details such as your name, location, phone number,
the situation, how you have responded and how you are able to respond until the
paramedics arrive.
Paramedics are emergency health professionals
who are trained in critical, acute health care.
Some facilities may have an emergency button available for you to press to summon
colleagues in an emergency situation. Be sure to respond immediately in such an event,
as the sooner help arrives, the better chance the client will have to recover.
If you are not sure if the changes in a client’s health status are significant, refer to your
supervisor, manager or a professional for clarification. Remember to accurately report
all incidents to your supervisor and make a written report, no matter how significant,
as soon as possible.
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Chapter 3: Identifying variations from normal physical health status
3.2 Identifying potential factors responsible for
significant variations from normal health status
As described in section 1.2, the factors that may be responsible for a significant variation
in a client’s normal health status may be internal or external. The following information
describes relevant scenarios that you may come across in relation to the responsible
factors.
When you note a change in a client’s health status, consider the internal and external
factors that may be at play. Again, if you know the client’s history and current health
status, this will help you determine the factors responsible, which should then be
considered in your response.
External factors
External factors that may be responsible for significant variations from normal health
status include:
ƒƒ diet and nutritional factors
ƒƒ use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances
ƒƒ environmental factors impacting health
ƒƒ level and type of physical activity.
The following case studies describe situations where external factors influence the
condition of client health status.
Case study
Bill, an older client, gags every time he swallows something, and has recently lost weight. His
carer Shelly thinks he may have dysphagia, so she refers to Bill’s care plan, which should
indicate if he has a history of dysphagia, and any special instructions for care; for example, a
recommendation for how his food should be prepared. It states that Bill experiences intermittent
bouts of dysphagia and that when this is noted, his food must be puréed until he is able to eat
regular food again. When Shelly checks what meals have been provided, she realises that they
have not been puréed, so he has been struggling to eat and gagging as a result. She reports to
her supervisor that she believes he is experiencing dysphagia and that he requires puréed food.
The supervisor arranges an assessment of Bill’s condition as soon as possible.
In this case study, it was the external factor of how Bill’s food was prepared that was not
allowing him to eat properly, which in turn led to his weight loss. In this instance, the
condition has occurred before and was detailed in the care plan. Consider what action
should have taken place if there was no note in the care plan and it was the first time
this situation was occurring.
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HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
Factors responsible for abnormal readings
Another potential factor that may be responsible for a significant variation from normal
health status in a client is an abnormal reading when using equipment, which may
indicate a problem.
If a health professional is present, it is unlikely that you will need to read equipment.
However, if it is your job to do so, and you have received the correct training, you may
be required to check blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration. It is therefore important
to be aware of the following factors responsible for abnormal readings:
ƒƒ Difference in temperature measurements
ƒƒ Effect of exertion and anxiety on pulse rate or blood pressure
ƒƒ Faulty equipment or improper use of equipment
ƒƒ Failure to correctly calibrate equipment
ƒƒ Impact of environmental factors on equipment
Difference in temperature measurements
When a client shows an abnormal temperature reading, be sure to consider internal
and external factors. Internal factors may include the presence of illness or whether
the client has overexerted themselves immediately before the reading. External factors
may include room temperature or the client being over or underdressed. Adjust
environmental factors, if possible, before doing a second reading.
Clarify with the relevant professional if you are still concerned that a client’s temperature
is too high or too low.
Effect of exertion and anxiety on pulse rate or blood pressure
You may obtain an abnormal reading when checking a client’s pulse rate or blood
pressure. Note what the client was doing prior to the observation. For example, did they
just walk upstairs? If you are checking the pulse, be sure you have your fingers in the
correct position, and you are not reading your own pulse rate.
Also consider whether the client is anxious; for example, about having the observation
taken, as this anxiety can cause a person’s heart to race, which will give a high reading.
Note all unusual observations and report them accordingly.
Faulty equipment or improper use of equipment
If a reading is abnormal, be sure to check the state of the equipment; for example, that
it is intact and that you are using it correctly. If you are using equipment, you should be
trained to expect an approximate or ‘normal’ result, so significantly abnormal results
may indicate that there is something wrong with the equipment or how you are using
it. All equipment should also be stored correctly after being cleaned and disinfected
according to protocol.
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Chapter 3: Identifying variations from normal physical health status
ƒƒ Clients who are hearing impaired may not hear warnings, such as when crossing
the road or fire alarms.
ƒƒ Clients with vision impairment may trip and fall or have trouble being mobile in
public spaces.
ƒƒ Clients with dysphagia may choke on food or liquid.
ƒƒ Clients who have a seizure or become unconscious because of heart problems or
stroke may injure themselves when collapsing.
Risks for other residents or people with whom the client has contact may include:
ƒƒ walking aids such as wheelie-walkers or wheelchairs, which may obstruct passages,
including fire exits
ƒƒ contracting infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis or influenza.
Risks for people working with the client may include:
ƒƒ walking aids such as wheelie-walkers or wheelchairs, which may obstruct passages,
including fire exits
ƒƒ contracting infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis or influenza
ƒƒ injuring self when lifting or moving a person who is immobile or who has collapsed
ƒƒ injuring self when using equipment or machinery
ƒƒ handling sharps that have not been disposed of correctly.
Consider the following case study.
Case study
Tara is completing an induction at an aged care facility, where she is accompanying the leisure
and recreation officer and clients on an outing to the park and beach. Tara is asked to push
Daphne, one of the clients, in a wheelchair. As the group walks along the headland towards
the park, the incline is fairly steep, and Tara’s back begins to hurt. When the group returns to
the residence, Tara realises she is in a lot of pain in her lower back, and needs to leave her shift
early to seek medical attention.
On her next shift, Tara consults her supervisor and advises her of her back problem that resulted
from pushing Daphne’s chair. Her supervisor suggests that Tara should avoid heavy lifting and
pushing the wheelchairs on inclined surfaces, and that she needs to ask another staff member
to help. She also reports the incident as a work health and safety (WHS) risk.
Practice task 9
Consider your own work context. Prepare a brief report about health risk factors. As part of
your report, answer the following questions:
1. What risk factors do your clients face that are associated with health problems?
2. What risks are there for other residents (if applicable)?
3. What risk factors are there for you and other staff members that relate to client health
problems?
4. What precautions could you or other staff members take to avoid risks associated with client
health problems?
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Chapter 3: Identifying variations from normal physical health status
Assessment activity 3
Identifying variations from normal physical
health status
Your trainer or assessor may require you to complete this assessment activity and will
provide you with instructions as to how to present your responses. They may provide
alternative or additional assessment activities depending on the circumstances of your
training program.
The following table maps the assessment activity for this chapter against the element
and performance criteria of Element 3 in HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status.
Part
Element
Performance criteria
A
3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
B
3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Part A
Prepare a written report that reflects your skills and knowledge about identifying
variations from normal health functioning. Write a brief introduction, then a paragraph
that addresses each of the following points:
ƒƒ Recognising signs and symptoms that indicate a change in health status
ƒƒ Risk factors associated with common health problems
ƒƒ Recognising variations from normal functioning and determining an appropriate
response in terms of referral or provision of health services
ƒƒ How to refer to or seek assistance from an appropriate medical or paramedical
authority in relation to variations from normal functioning
ƒƒ Scope of practice and boundaries for each team member
Part B
Prepare a verbal report to be delivered to your trainer/assessor or to colleagues at your
workplace. The title of the report is ‘Analysing organisation protocols’. The objective
is for you to communicate your knowledge of organisational protocols and your skills
regarding each of the following:
ƒƒ Recognising signs and symptoms that suggest variations from normal functioning
ƒƒ Identifying potential factors responsible for variations from normal functioning
ƒƒ Identifying risks associated with common health problems
ƒƒ Recognising and referring potentially serious physical health issues
Your report should take no longer than 10 minutes to deliver to the group (for example,
you may spend 30 seconds on the introduction, two minutes for each section and 30
seconds for the conclusion).
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