: Esophageal atresia is a congenital medical condition of the esophagus. The
manifestations of esophageal atresia include excessive oral secretions, vomiting and unexplained
cyanosis after initial feeding. Complications of esophageal atresia are severe and can lead to poor
prognosis and outcomes if left untreated. Nurses provide care for neonates before, during, and
after surgical operation to prevent complications. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’
knowledge and practices regarding care of neonates undergoing esophageal atresia surgery.
Research design: A descriptive study design was be used. Settings: The study was carried out at
Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital that affiliated to
Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. Sampling: A convenient sample of all available
nurses 60 nurse who are working at the previously mentioned setting, A purposive sample of 60
neonate with esophageal atresia. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used: Tool I: A
structured interviewing questionnaire format consisted of 2 parts: Part 1, Characteristics of the
studied nurses and neonates with esophageal atresia, medical data of studied neonates. Part 2,
Nurses’ knowledge regarding esophageal atresia, care of neonates undergoing esophageal atresia
surgery and discharge of health instructions about neonates undergoing esophageal atresia surgery.
Tool II: Nurses’ observational checklists consisted of nurses’ practices regarding care of neonates
undergoing esophageal atresia surgery pre, immediate, postoperative nursing care. Results: more
than half 58.3% of them have poor total knowledge, slightly more than half 51.7% of the studied
nurses have competent practice and there is a highly significant positive relation between total
scores of nurses` knowledge and practice regarding care of neonates undergoing esophageal
atresia surgery. Conclusion: There were a positive statistical correlation between total level of
nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding care of neonates undergoing esophageal atresia
surgery. Recommendation: Pediatric nurses should update their knowledge and practice through
continuing training, educational programs and workshops concern the care of neonates undergoing
esophageal atresia surgery.
|
