Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Intra-Abdominal Pressure Measurement and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Prevention

Abstract

Background: Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring helps in the early detection of patients who are susceptible for developing intra-abdominal hypertension and enabling prompt treatment to prevent the development of abdominal compartment syndrome. The management of critically ill patients and the identification of potential causes for clinical worsening are the main role of critical care nurses. Objective: The objective of the present study is to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement and abdominal compartment syndrome prevention. Patients and methods: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in this study. The study was carried out at intensive care units, cardiac care units and emergency unit at Kom Hamada and Itay El Baroad Hospital. A convenient sample of 60 male and female nurses was recruited. Two tools were used for data collection; (I) Knowledge assessment questionnaire and (II) Observational checklist to assess nurses' practices regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Results: Most studied nurses had poor knowledge regarding all items related to intra-abdominal pressure measurement, intra-abdominal hypertension, and complications of abdominal compartment syndrome. Moreover, about more than two-third of the studied nurses had an unsatisfactory level of practice regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Conclusion: The majority of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of knowledge and incompetent level of practice regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement and abdominal compartment syndrome prevention.Recommendation: Continuous educational programs should be planned to nurses for enhancing their knowledge and practice to achieve a high quality of care.