Knowledge and Performance on Intravenous Medication Administration to Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study Among Nurses of Nepal.

AIM

To evaluate knowledge and performance levels regarding intravenous (IV) medication administration to patients among nurses working in paediatric centers of Nepal.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive observational study.

METHODS

Enumerative sampling method was used for participant selection from the four hospitals having paediatric units. Data were collected using knowledge survey and observational checklist on four phases of IV medication administration.

RESULTS

Of 115 nurses, 14 (12.2%) had adequate knowledge about IV medication administration whereas none had good level and only 20 nurses (17.4%) had fair level of performance. There was a weak negative correlation between knowledge and practice scores. Nurses working 8-h shifts had better performance than those working 6-h shifts; however, the recommended nurse-patient ratio was not maintained in 80% of observed shifts. The findings highlight the importance of upgrading nurses' knowledge and professional competencies on medication administration to improve the quality of patient care.