Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses Toward Administration of Positive Inotropic Drugs in Critical Care Unit in Omdurman Military hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Inotropes are an agent that alters the force or energy of muscles contraction. The uses of positive inotropic had been plagued by serious concern regarding increased morbidity and mortality. So the nurse had a big role in drug administration, observations and prevent side effect of medications which decrease length of stay, cost, morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study: The study was undertaken to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitude regarding positive inotropes administration in critical care unit. Methods : It was descriptive cross-sectional hospital base study carried out at Omdurman military hospital among nurses staff of critical care unit , the sample size was (100) total coverage, the data about knowledge and attitude were collected by used closed ended questionnaire which contained 24 questions, data were analyzed by statistical package for social sciences version 21, percentage presented in form of frequency and figures and tables, for group association t. test were used significant at p value less than 0.05 and used likert scale to measure attitude level . Results: General level of knowledge about positive inotropes administration was found poor (56%) and 60% got positive attitude toward positive inotropes administration and there is no association between total knowledge and years of experience and qualification of nurses. The majority of poor knowledge about pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, indication and side effect of positive inotropes . Conclusion: Generally nurses had poor knowledge about positive inotropes administration and more than half got positive attitude. Recommendation: The study recommended that to offer educational programs and upgrading courses with evidence based guidelines based on nurses' needs to improve their knowledge related to administration of inotropics drugs. ‬