Abstract

Nahla Shaaban Khalil*, Radwa Muhammad Eissa and Manal Sayed Ismaeel

ABSTRACT

Background: Dysphagia is a very serious condition that may affect up to 80% of all stroke patients. It can affect hydration and nutritional status of stroke patients delaying their recovery. Also, it can lead to very serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, choking, and even premature death Early dysphagia screening and recognition by trained nurses is considered as one of best practices for acute stroke patient to prevent subsequent complications and promote stroke rehabilitation Objectives: To assess critical care nurse's knowledge and practices regarding dysphagia care of acute ischemic stroke patients. Method: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized and conducted in critical care stroke unit at a teaching university hospital in Eastern Egypt including 30 nurses working in this unit. Nurses' baseline, knowledge questionnaire and observational checklists regarding dysphagia care were utilized. Results: Almost all the studied nurses have got unsatisfactory, knowledge and practices level regarding care of dysphagic patient. Moreover, nurses? knowledge was significantly correlated with years of experience in the field of nursing and years of experience in stroke units. Conclusion: It can be concluded that knowledge and practices of critical care stoke unit nurses were inconvenient and need to be improved. As well, enrichment of nurses? knowledge and practices regarding dysphagia care of acute ischemic stroke patients is highly recommended with replication of this study on lager samples from the different geographical locations in Egypt.