Nurses’ knowledge regarding management of chest tube drainage patient at selected hospital, Dhaka

Background: Chest tube drainage is an essential life saving measure for the management of pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemo-pneumothorax, pleural effusion and emphysema from the pleural space. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding management of chest tube drainage among nurses at selected hospital, Dhaka. Methods and Materials: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 samples those were conveniently selected from National Institute of Disease of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected by using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with a set of 20 knowledge related questions. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentage. Results: A total 50 nurses participated in this study. The mean age of the nurses was 33.1±5.68 years with the range of 25 years to 48 years. Majority of the respondents (86%) were female and only 16% respondents got special training on management of chest tube drainage. The overall findings showed that 36% respondents had poor level of knowledge, 20% respondents had average level of knowledge and 24% level had good knowledge whereas only 4% had excellent level of knowledge. The respondent’s overall knowledge’s mean score was 62.6 which indicate average level of knowledge. The nurses with Master in Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Post Basic nursing degree had more knowledge mean score was =70) than others nurses. Nurses who had more than 15 years working experience had more knowledge (mean score was=90) than 1-15 years of working experiences. Conclusion: This study found that over all nurses had poor level of knowledge on management of chest tube drainage patient. Recommendation: This study suggested nurses need educational program, special training on management of chest tube drainage including the opportunity of attending the workshop and seminar to prevent complications related to mismanagement of chest tube drainage.