The Investigation of Nurses’ Knowledge according to Their Level of Education regarding The Pathological Electrolyte Disturbances of Patients During Their Hospitalization in A Rehabilitation Center

Abstract

Background: In order to provide optimal care, health care providers should be familiar with the principles and practice of fluid and electrolyte physiology and pathophysiology. Attention to the patient's fluid and electrolyte status is essential to nurses' knowledge. The purpose of the research is to investigate the knowledge of nurses regarding the electrolyte disorders of patients during their hospitalization in a rehabilitation center and to correlate their education with the knowledge regarding electrolyte disorders. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was tested to ensure clarity, content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha of 0.822). The sample consisted of 50 nurses who worked at the University General Hospital in the Rehabilitation Center. Data were coded and analyzed using the statistical program IBM-SPSS version-21. Results: Through the results it was initially observed that the largest sample considers that the recording of fluid intake and output is important. The vast majority (92%) know about electrolyte disturbances. A large part (84%) has not attended any training program. Inaccurate diagnosis of electrolyte disturbances can be a risk to the patient. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was found that the nurses studied have a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding the assessment and management of electrolyte disturbances with postgraduates nurses and university education nurses emerging as better knowledgeable of patients' electrolyte disturbances during their hospitalization in a rehabilitation center. Understanding and monitoring a patient's fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance is critical to providing nursing care.