Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Emergency Medical Management of Patients with Acute Heart Failure at BMU

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern in Bangladesh, responsible for approximately 0.1 million deaths annually and accounting for 15.23% of total mortality. While evidence-based guidelines can reduce mortality, improve quality of life, and minimize hospitalizations, effective implementation depends significantly on nurses’ knowledge and patient education capabilities. Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding the emergency management of acute heart failure (HF) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using the validated instrument Nurses’ Knowledge of Heart Failure Education Questionnaire, developed by Dr. Nancy Albert. A total of 385 registered nurses participated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests (ANOVA/χ2). Results: The mean knowledge score was 13.38 ± 0.36, or 42.09% correct responses. Only 3.6% of nurses were found to have an adequate level of knowledge regarding HF self-management. The lowest scoring items included: Chronic nature of HF (Q7: 9.1%), Use of potassium-based salt substitutes (Q9: 6.5%), Orthopnea (Q11: 6.2%), Managing transient dizziness (Q18: 5.5%), and NSAID usage (Q8: 4.2%). There was no statistically significant correlation between years of experience, educational preparation, or working ward and knowledge scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Nurses at BMU demonstrated limited knowledge regarding HF self-management principles. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, continuing education, and in-service training to enhance nurse competence in HF education, reduce readmission rates, and improve patient outcomes.