Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices regarding to Fever Management of Neonates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing department / Faculty of Nursing / Benisuef University

2 Pediatric Nursing department /Faculty of Nursing/Ain Shams University

Abstract

Background: Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit operate in a
challenging environment with the demands of care of the infant and providing
family-centered care. Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to assess nurses’
knowledge and practice regarding to fever management of neonates. Study Design: A
descriptive exploratory study design was utilized. Setting: The study was carried out at the
neonatal intensive care units in Benisuef General Hospital, Benisuef Health Insurance Hospital
affiliated to Ministry of Health and Ain Shams (Children’s Hospital) affiliated to Ain shams
University Hospitals. Subjects: A convenient sample of 50 nurses providing care for neonates at
the previously mentioned settings were selected in the current study, regardless their age, years of
experiences or qualifications. Tools of the Study: Involved nurses’ structured interview
questionnaire to assess the study sample's demographic characteristics and their knowledge
regarding management of fever in neonates and nurses’ observational checklist to assess nurses’
practice toward fever management in neonates. Results: It was clear that the majority of the
studied nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge level and nearly two thirds of them, were
incompetent in practice regarding fever management of neonates. Also, there was a statistically
significant difference between total nurses' knowledge and their total practice. Conclusion: It can
be concluded that there was unsatisfactory level of nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding
fever management of neonates. Recommendations: Raising awareness of nurses regarding fever
management of neonates and improving their knowledge and practices through continuous
training programs.

Keywords