Nurses’ Knowledge Level about High-Alert Medications

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate nurses' knowledge of high-alert medications. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in the clinics of a university hospital where high-alert medications were frequently administered. The study population comprised of 187 nurses. Nurses' Knowledge of High-Alert Medications Questionnaire was used for evaluation. The items were rated on a 3-point Likert type scale. The scale has two subscales: “Drug administration” and “Drug regulation”. Results: In the study whose sample included 77 nurses, the response rate was 57%. The correct response rate was 61% for the “Drug administration” subscale and 62.1% for the “Drug regulation” subscale. The item with the lowest correct response rate (7.8%) in the “Drug administration” subscale was “Chemotherapeutic drugs’ doses should be calculated according to body surface area in adults and according to body weight in children”. The item with the lowest correct response rate (10.4%) in the “Drug regulation” subscale was “For pediatric dosage calculations, teaspoon units should be used”. Conclusion: The results of the present study supported the assumption that nurses' knowledge of high-alert medications is inadequate.