Nurses’ Performance Regarding Fluids and Electrolytes Management for the Patient Undergoing Cardiac Surgeries

Background: Nurses' performance in managing fluids and electrolytes for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries includes monitoring fluid balance, assessing electrolyte levels, administering necessary replacements, and identifying early signs of imbalances. Proper documentation and collaboration with the healthcare team further enhance patient safety and recovery. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’ performance regarding fluids and electrolyte management for the patient undergoing cardiac surgeries. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the National Heart Institute's cardiac surgery center affiliated with the Ministry of Health, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of all available nurses caring for the patients who are undergoing cardiac surgeries in the previously mentioned setting included in the cardiac study of about 60 nurses. Tools: The first tool, self-administered interview questionnaires, consists of two parts: part 1: Nurses’ characteristics, part 2: Nurses’ knowledge regarding fluid and electrolyte management. The second tool: Nurses’ practices observational checklist. Results: Based on the findings of the present study. More than half (53.3%) of the studied nurses had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge, while about two-thirds (61.7%) had an incompetent level of reported practice regarding fluid and electrolytes management for the patient undergoing cardiac surgeries. Conclusion: The current study clarifies that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the total level of practice and the total level of knowledge among the studied nurses at p-value <0.05. Recommendations: Develop continuous educational programs to enhance the nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding fluids and electrolyte management for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries