Knowledge Regarding Management of Selected Medical Emergencies among Registered Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Emergency is a situation in which patients require immediate care. Recognition of life threatening illness or injury is one of the important aspects of emergency care. Before a diagnosis can be made, recognition of dangerous clinical signs and symptoms with initiation of interventions to reverse or prevent a crisis is essential. Prompt identification of patients requiring immediate treatment is an essential nurse competency in an emergency department. This study was intended to assess the knowledge regarding management of selected medical emergencies among registered nurses. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of registered nurses regarding management of selected medical emergencies and to determine the association of knowledge score and selected demographic variables like age, gender, professional qualification, clinical experience and area of experience. Methodology The research approach adopted was quantitative research approach. The study was conducted among 90 registered nurses working in Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation, Venjaramoodu. After obtaining consent from registered nurses, structured knowledge questionnaire was given to the samples. The data thus collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Analysis revealed that 56.7 % registered nurses had average knowledge, 26.6 % has good knowledge and only 16.7 % has poor knowledge regarding management of selected medical emergencies. There was significant association between knowledge score and selected demographic variable such as area of clinical experience of registered nurses.