Nurses' perceptions of their role in fluid and electrolyte management

Abstract

The nurse's role in managing fluids and hydration in neurosurgical patients is poorly defined. This paper reports on one stage of an action research project that looks at the nurse's role in managing fluid and hydrational status in patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. It reports the results of a focus group of nurses of a variety of grades, which assessed how they managed this aspect of their role and how they guide their practice. The focus group discussions reveal that the nurse's role is ill-defined and that nurses are uncertain about aspects of their role and accountability.