Registered Nurses' Knowledge of Intravenous Fluid Therapy at a Teaching Hospital in Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Insufficient knowledge of intravenous fluid therapy is a significant challenge contributing to morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Nurses play a critical role in evaluating patients' fluid and electrolyte balance as well as in restoring fluid levels. Various studies have indicated a deficiency in nurses' knowledge of intravenous therapy, yet this remains understudied in many settings, including Namibia. Objectives: To assess nurses' knowledge of intravenous fluid therapy and to describe the variables associated with knowledge of intravenous fluid therapy at a teaching hospital in Namibia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey involving 164 nurses who were recruited using total population sampling. Data were collected between September and November 2021, using a self-administered 14-item validated tool (α = 0.8). Data analysis was conducted using SPSSv28.0 software. Results: The majority of nurses (84%) in this study exhibited an insufficient level of knowledge regarding intravenous therapy, with only a minority (16%) demonstrating a moderately adequate understanding of intravenous fluid therapy. A significant positive correlation was found between educational qualification and knowledge of intravenous therapy (r = 0.21; p = .01). Conclusion: The study's results indicate a worrying trajectory in nurses' knowledge of intravenous therapy. These findings underscore the need for hospitals to establish comprehensive training programs for nurses to guarantee the provision of secure and efficient intravenous therapy. Additional research is needed to investigate how educational qualifications impact patient outcomes related to intravenous therapy.