Assessment of Emergency Nurses’ Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Peripheral Intravenous Extravasation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety during intravenous therapy. Awareness of vascular extravasation is essential for preventing tissue injury and promoting evidence-based care. Considering the clinical importance of intravenous injections, their potential complications, and the limited awareness among emergency nurses, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding vascular extravasation among nurses working in the emergency departments of Khatam-al-Anbia and Ali Ibn Abi Talib hospitals in Zahedan.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 77 emergency department nurses from Khatam-al-Anbia and Ali Ibn Abi Talib hospitals in Zahedan during 2024–2025. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire assessing six domains of extravasation knowledge. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, and relationships between awareness scores and demographic variables were analyzed using the independent t-test, with the significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 34.4 ± 6.8 years, and 62.3% were female. The overall mean knowledge score was 34.2 ± 5.6 (range: 19–46) out of a maximum of 72, indicating a generally low level of awareness. In total, 61% of nurses demonstrated low awareness and 39% demonstrated moderate awareness, while none achieved a high level. The results showed a significant association between awareness scores and both educational level and participation in training courses (p < 0.05), whereas no significant relationship was found with age, gender, or work experience.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that a considerable proportion of emergency nurses possess inadequate knowledge regarding vascular extravasation. Structured and continuous training programs are strongly recommended to enhance awareness, improve prevention and management skills, and ensure safer intravenous practices in emergency settings.
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| Issue | Vol 8 No 3 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Extravasation Nurses Emergency Department Awareness Intravenous Therapy | ||
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