A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Care of Unconscious Patients among Staff Nurses at NMCH, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Nursing the unconscious patient can be a challenging experience. Unconscious patients have no control over themselves or their environment and thus are highly dependent on the nurse. The skills required to care for unconscious patients are not specific to critical care and theatres as unconscious patients are nursed in a variety of clinical settings. Nursing such patients can be a source of anxiety for nurses. <strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding care of unconscious patients among staff nurses. <strong>Objectives:</strong> 1. To determine the level of knowledge regarding physical examination among staff nurses. 2. To associate the level of knowledge with selected demographic variables. <strong>Methodology:</strong> 100 staff nurses working at Narayana Medical College Hospital were selected by using purposive sampling method.<strong> Results:</strong> Regarding the level of knowledge among staff nurses, 17 (17%) had adequate knowledge, 76(76%) had moderate knowledge and 7(7%) had inadequate knowledge regarding care of unconscious patients.