Arterial Blood Gases Interpretation

Abstract

Background Understanding the arterial blood gases’ (ABG) analysis report, its interpretation, and applying this in practice represents an essential skill for critical care nurses. Aim To assess critical care nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding ABG interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate. Research questions Q1: What is the level of critical care nurses’ knowledge regarding ABG’ interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate? Q2: What is the level of critical care nurses’ practice regarding ABG interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate? Design A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Sample A sample of convenience, including all male and female critical care nurses who are working in the selected settings and willing to participate in this study. Setting This study was conducted at different ICUs affiliated to a University Hospital − Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate. Tools Three tools were developed, tested for clarity, and feasibility: (a) nurse’s personal and background data sheet, (b) nurses’ knowledge-assessment questionnaire about ABG’ interpretation, and (c) critical care nurses’ practice regarding ABG interpretation observational checklist. Results The majority of the studied sample (94.6 and 100%) had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice level with a mean of 9.45±2.94 and 30.5+8.7, respectively. Moreover, 29.7% of the study participants had satisfactory practice level about double-check of ABG result and had unsatisfactory practice level about analysis of ABG parameters, recording ABG results, reporting ABG results, follow-up of medical care, and double-check of ABG with a percentage of 100, 100, 94.6, 83.8, and 70.3%, respectively. Finally, knowledge level was not found to differ significantly in relation to sex (t=1.142 at P≤0.261). However, sex did not play a role in relation to practice (t=0.528 at P≤0.601). Conclusion Critical care nurses (in the current study) had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice scores regarding ABG interpretation. Recommendations Updating knowledge and practice of ICU nurses through carrying out continuing educational programs about ABG interpretation, strict observation of nurses’ practice when caring for patients with acid and base imbalance and providing feedback to maintain practices, and replication of this study on larger-probability sample selected from different geographical areas.