Background: Administering oral medications to children with nasogastric tube is a challenging patient- care issue. Inappropriate prescription and preparation of oral suspensions given through nasogastric tube may result in significant harm to children. Nurses need to have knowledge concerning the characteristics of different drug dose forms, the possibility of using or not using them, and the respective correct handling technique. Aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses' performance regarding safe medications administration through nasogastric tube among critically ill children. Design: A Quasi- experimental research design was used to conduct the current study. Setting: This study was conducted at the pediatric intensive care units in Benha University Hospital and specialized pediatric hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 62 nurses who have been working at the previously mentioned settings. Tools: Two tools were utilized for data collection, a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, and nurses practices observational checklist. Results: There were statistically significant differences in nurses' knowledge, and practice regarding safe medications administrating through nasogastric tube before and after program implementation. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that, the educational program is highly effective method to improve the nurses' knowledge, and practice regarding safe medications administration through nasogastric tube. Recommendations: The study recommended to Provide continuous education and training sessions for nurses about safe medications administration through nasogastric tube to ensure enough knowledge and safe practices. Also, emphasis on the availability of printed universal guidelines about safe medications administration through nasogastric tube that illustrated simply in posters and booklets for guiding nurses' practice. |
