Knowledge of intensive care unit and emergency unit nurses about the chest pain protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction is caused by prolonged ischemia, as time passes by it leads to myocardial injury and necrosis, resulting in the loss of cardiac muscle function. Therefore, the management of myocardial infarction should be swift, involving an institutionalized protocol implemented by trained professionals in specific locations for the admission of patients with chest pain. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge among nurses regarding a chest pain protocol. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital involving nurses from the Emergency and Intensive Care Units (certificado de apresentação de apreciação ética - CAAE: 70232723.9.0000.5342). Results: The study revealed that the knowledge of nurses in emergency and intensive care units was good, with an average of 7.7 correct answers. Questions related to the protocol's objectives (n=20; 87.0%) and the recommended time for performing coronary angiography (n=9; 36.0%) had the highest error rates. Conclusion: It was identified that nurses in emergency and intensive care units possess qualification and experience regarding the chest pain protocol.