Abstract

Aim. This study assessed the knowledge of nurses about arterial blood gases interpretation in intensive care units of selected hospitals in Tehran.

Background. Measurement of arterial blood gases are widely used in intensive care units. The knowledge and mastery in interpretation of arterial blood gases is an essential skill for critical care nurses.

Method. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 117 nurses working in intensive care units at selected military hospitals in Tehran in 2013. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisted of 45 questions about personal and professional information, also in the domain of blood gases interpretation based on Bloom's classification of knowledge (judgment and evaluation phase). Data are analyzed by SPSS and descriptive and inferential statistics were presented.

Findings. Knowledge of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses was moderate to poor in arterial blood gas interpretation. A statistically significant difference was seen between the knowledge of the subjects in terms of some variables. Conclusion. Given the importance of arterial blood gases interpretation in ICUs, it is necessary to pay attention to in-service and continuing education programs for nurses.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on arterial blood gas parameters after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Background. After CABG, pulmonary complications and oxygenation disorders are common and play an important role in post-operative mortality and morbidity. The different methods are being used for improvement of pulmonary function and oxygenation after CABG.

Method. In this clinical trial study, 75 patients who were candidate for CABG surgery were recruited and randomly allocated to two intervention groups (incentive spirometry group and deep breathing exercise group) and control group. The groups were compared in terms of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2) before surgery, and on the first day, the second day, and the third day after surgery.

Findings. The study findings showed that in the third postoperative day, there was a statistically significant difference between intervention groups and control group in terms of the mean of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2). 

Conclusion. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercise are both significantly effective on improvement of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2).