Nurses Knowledge toward Essential Care for Adult Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation at Critical Care Unit in Baghdad City

A mechanical ventilator is a positive- or negative-pressure breathing device that can maintain ventilation and oxygen delivery for a prolonged period, the primary function of mechanical ventilators is to promote alveolar ventilation and CO2 elimination, but they are often also used for correcting impaired oxygenation which may be a difficult task. Objectives the study aimed to identify nurses knowledge toward essential care for patient undergoing mechanical ventilation and to find out the relationship between nurses knowledge and their socio-demographic data. Result The results of the study indicated that (64 %) of the study sample were males and (58 %) at age group (20-29) years old, (52 %) were married, (46 %) were graduate from Institute, (66 %) had (1-5 years) experience in critical unit and (56 %) had training session. The nurses knowledge records a moderate level for endotracheal suctioning and weaning domains and high level of knowledge for general information, communication, ventilator setting, and patient education domains. Furthermore, that a high level for a total score of nurses knowledge. Conclusions According to the findings the study concluded that statistical associations were found between nurses educational levels, years of experience in critical unit and training sessions toward nurses knowledge. Recommendation Based on the findings, the study recommended to Prepare a special training programs to promote nurses knowledge concerning mechanical ventilation (especially in weaning and endotracheal suctioning techniques) added to that Encourage the nurses to complete their academic study to be equipped with advance skills& knowledge that enable them to provide efficient care.