ASSESSMENT OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE, CARE, AND PREVENTION OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER-RELATED INFECTION IN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNITS IN A MILITARY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Central venous catheter insertion is not a benign procedure, it is a potentially harmful one, if it is not performed correctly, and it might result in life threatening complications. It causes substantial morbidity, mortality and incurs high costs; they are preventable through the adherence to strict guidelines by health care workers when caring for patients. A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized in conducting the study, in a military hospital. The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services to military personnel and their families, as well as to civilian people. Subject: A purposive sample was composed of 50 nurses who worked at the adult Intensive Care Unit in a military Hospital. The tool data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge of ICU nurses related to the maintenance, care, and prevention of central venous catheter-related infection and an observation checklist to assess their practices. The results showed that 70 % of nurses had an average level of total knowledge, 52% had an incompetent level of practice to maintenance, care and prevention of central venous catheter-related infections. There were significant differences between nurses' characteristics and their knowledge, practices. here was a positive correlation between the nurses' knowledge, practices related to the Maintenance , Care, and Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infection.