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.