Document Type
DNP - Open Access
Award Date
2023
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Robin Arends
Second Advisor
Danielle Schievelbein
Keywords
fluid status monitoring, cardiac, fluid balance, intake and output, nurse knowledge, attitudes, and practices
Abstract
Background: Monitoring fluid status may prevent adverse patient outcomes. Nurses and unlicensed staff are responsible for inpatient fluid status monitoring and documentation.
Methods: Registered nurses and unlicensed staff completed a pre-intervention questionnaire measuring their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fluid status monitoring. They then completed an education session on fluid status monitoring and the new protocol. This protocol includes use of a fluid balance chart, a standardized daily weight process, and allowed patient participation. The protocol was implemented for 2 months, and the questionnaire was completed again post implementation.
Results: The results were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and a McNemar’s test and a significance value of 5%. The change in how many output measurements participants found challenging was statistically significant and evaluated knowledge (p=0.015). The change in percentage of fluid status documentation participants believed was accurate was found to be significant for attitudes (p= 0.035). For practices, the change in amount of time participants spent documenting was significant (p=0.046).
Discussion: Lack of staff support, resistance to change, and lack of adequate participation were barriers to the project implementation. These barriers were addressed using the PDSA change theory and sufficient planning to motivate and involve staff.
Implications for Practice: This protocol allows for ongoing fluid status monitoring education for staff and improved documentation. Improved documentation allows for higher quality patient outcomes.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Heart -- Diseases -- Patients.
Body fluids -- Regulation.
Nurses -- Training of.
Number of Pages
88
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright @ 2023 Brittni Roberts
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Brittni, "Improving Unlicensed Staff and Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Associated with Fluid Status Monitoring by the Utilization of a Fluid Status Monitoring Protocol" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects. 189.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_dnp/189