Intensive Care Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Care of Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Despite its drawbacks and problems, Mechanical Ventilation (MV) remains a vital and essential supporting modality in intensive care units (ICUs). To maximize the patient's prognosis, reduce harm, and increase the effectiveness of MV, nurses must be knowledgeable about these devices and provide appropriate nursing care for patients on them. Mechanical ventilation is a crucial technique for resuscitation and all-encompassing treatment of critically ill patients since it is estimated that 20% of acute care patients and 80% of patients in intensive care units need it Aim: This study aimed to assess ICU nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding the care of mechanically ventilated patients. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design and observational research. Sample:A convenience sample of 160 nurses with varying educational levels who provide direct patient care in intensive care units are involved in the study Tool: Nurses' Knowledge Questionnaire, which consisted of two parts: the Intensive Care Nurses' Demographic Data Sheet in Part I and the "Intensive Care Nurses’ Knowledge Questionnaire" in Part 2. Tool II: Practice Observation Checklist for Nurses.Results: Age and MV knowledge among the studied nurses showed a positive statistically significant correlation (p=0.005), practice and education level showed a statistically significant positive correlation (p=0.042), and knowledge and practice showed a positive relation (p-value=0.002.Conclusion: More than half of the study nurses had good knowledge and adequate level of practice regarding the treatment of patients on mechanical ventilation