The knowledge-practice gap among critical care nurses regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Teacher at the Technical Secondary School of Nursing for Girls in Assuit Directorate of Health, Assiut Governorate, Egypt.

2 Assistant Professor of General and Oncological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.

3 Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Critically ill patients are prone to life-threatening conditions, including intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. These complications require prompt diagnosis and intervention, as elevated intra-abdominal pressure can lead to compromised organ perfusion and failure. Aim: Assess the gap between nurses' knowledge and practices regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Research design: A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for this study. Sample: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 nurses working in Assiut University Hospital’s intensive care units. Setting: The research was conducted in intensive care units of Assiut University Hospital including trauma care and general care, critical care, anesthesia care and surgical care units. Tools: Data was gathered using two tools: Nurses' knowledge assessment questionnaire comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, and an observational checklist to evaluate nurses' practices regarding intra abdominal pressure measurement. Results: The study revealed that 39.1% of nurses had very low knowledge, while 81.3% exhibited unsatisfactory practices in intra-abdominal pressure measurement. A strong positive correlation (R=0.804, p < 0.001) was observed between knowledge and practice. Conclusions: The majority of nurses had a poor knowledge and fall into the "unsatisfactory practice" category regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement, intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome percentage of (81.8%), so it is essential to construct a continuous instructional program for nurses. Recommendations:Develop educational programs that emphasize the importance of accurate intra-abdominal pressure measurement.

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