ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHEST TUBE MANAGEMENT AMONG INTENSIVE CARE NURSES IN A TERTIARY CARE PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Abstract

Chest tube management is an important responsibility of ICU nurses, as proper care is necessary to prevent complications such as infection, tube obstruction, air leakage, accidental dislodgement, and respiratory distress. This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding chest tube management among ICU nurses in a tertiary care public sector hospital. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The sample consisted of 37 ICU nurses, selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic variables and 8 true/false knowledge-based items related to chest tube management. Each correct response was scored as 1, while each incorrect response was scored as 0. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha, which showed a value of .832, indicating good internal consistency. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, while an independent samples t-test was applied to compare knowledge scores between male and female ICU nurses. The results showed that male nurses had a slightly higher mean knowledge score (M = 8.74, SD = 1.63) than female nurses (M = 8.30, SD = 0.67). However, the independent samples t-test showed that this difference was not statistically significant, t(35) = .823, p = .416. Therefore, the null hypothesis was retained, indicating that gender did not significantly affect knowledge scores regarding chest tube management. The study concluded that the knowledge questionnaire was reliable and that gender had no significant influence on ICU nurses’ knowledge. Regular training, refresher courses, evidence-based guidelines, and simulation-based learning are recommended to improve nurses’ knowledge and clinical competency in chest tube management.