A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS COMPETENCIES OF STAFF NURSES RELATED TO FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES.

Body fluids and electrolytes play an important role in homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in the internal environment of the body. Disturbances in fluid and electrolytes are among the most common clinical problems encountered in the intensive care units. A descriptive study was conducted to assess competencies of staff nurses (in terms of knowledge and interpretation) related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances in a selected hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. A qualitative research approach and non-experimental descriptive design was adopted for the study. Conceptual framework was based on Three Phase Learning Theory by Fitts and Posner, 1967. Data was collected by using a Competency Assessment Tool of Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances (CATFEI) which was found reliable (r=0.77). The collected data from 120 staff nurses selected by non- probability purposive sampling technique was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that maximum staff nurses (41.67%) had average level of competency. In terms of knowledge, 35.83% staff nurses had below average level of knowledge and in terms of interpretation, 44.17% staff nurses had below average level of interpretation. A moderate positive correlation (0.47) was found between knowledge and interpretation. Professional qualification had significant relationship with interpretation (at p< 0.05). Maximum deficit in terms of knowledge and interpretation was in risk for developing hypernatremia (87.5%) and nursing intervention for hyponatremia (89.17%) respectively. It was concluded that maximum deficit was in the areas of electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, an In-Service Education was conducted for the staff nurses of the selected hospital.