Assessment of Nurses’ Perception Toward Antibiotic-Induced Anaphylaxis among Pediatric patients

Background: Pediatric nursing staff play a crucial role in administering medication, especially antibiotics, fully understanding the seriousness of its side effects, particularly allergic reactions, recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis, and advocating its safe use in pediatric care. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess nurses’ perception toward antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis among pediatric patients. Research Design: A descriptive design was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the pediatric inpatient departments & outpatient clinic of Al-Sayed Galal Hospital affiliated with Al-Azhar University. Subjects: A convenience sample was composed of (52) pediatric nurses administering medication in the previously mentioned setting. Tools of data collection: (1) An interview questionnaire sheet to assess knowledge, & (2) Observational checklists to assess the practices of the pediatric nurses toward antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis among pediatric patients. Results: More than two-fifths of the studied nurses ranged from 20 to less than 30 years old, with a mean age of 31.9±4.7 & more than half graduated from nursing school whilst the majority had poor knowledge, & an unsatisfactory level of practices toward antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis among pediatric patients. Conclusion: More than half had poor level of knowledge, approximately two-thirds had an unsatisfactory level of practices while there was a highly significant positive correlation between the studied nurses' total knowledge, & practices toward antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis among pediatric patients. Recommendations: Periodic assessment of pediatric nurses’ perception toward antibiotics administration. Developing educational programs regarding allergy tests & conducting training courses regarding pediatric anaphylaxis.