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

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are potentially life-threatening conditions. Measuring intra-abdominal pressure helps identify patients developing intra-abdominal hypertension, which allows for timely intervention before progression to abdominal compartment syndrome. It is often measured by the bedside nurse in the intensive care unit, who plays a key role in managing critically ill patients and recognizing potential causes for clinical deterioration. Therefore, they should be knowledgeable about this entity.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement and abdominal compartment syndrome prevention. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in this study. Subject: A convenience sample of about 60 male and female nurses. Setting: The study was carried out at intensive care unit and cardiac care units at Kom Hamada and Itay el Baroad Hospital. Data collection tools: two tools were used for data collection(I) Knowledge assessment questionnaire: which included (a) Socio-demographic data (b) Nurses’ knowledge related to intra-abdominal pressure measurement, intra- abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome prevention. (II): The observational checklist: To assess nurses' practices regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Results: The results showed that the most studied nurses (80%) had poor knowledge regarding all items related to intra-abdominal pressure measurement, intra-abdominal hypertension, and complications of abdominal compartment syndrome. moreover, about (71.7%) of the studied nurses had an unsatisfactory level of practice regarding intra-abdominal pressure measurement. Conclusion: critical care Nurses' understanding of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome is generally falling short in the areas of presentation and outcomes, necessitating tailored and targeted educational interventions.