Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Science

Background: Antithrombotic agents are widely used for thrombotic disorders management among critically ill patients. Subcutaneous administration of heparin is a repeated clinical practice done by nurses which may cause adverse outcomes. Aim of study:To investigate critical care nurses' knowledge and practices regarding subcutaneous antithrombotic drugs and associated patients' outcomes at Cairo University Hospitals .A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Setting: Selected intensive care unit affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals.Sample:- A convenience sample of 30 nurses and purposive sample of 60 adult male and female critically ill patients who are receiving subcutaneous anticoagulants.Tools :Four tools were utilized to collect data, tool 1: Critically ill patients' personal characteristics and medical data sheet,tool2:Nurses' knowledge assessment questionnaire regarding subcutaneous antithrombotic drugs,Tool3:Nurses' practices observational checklist regarding subcutaneous antithrombotic drug administration,tool4: Subcutaneous antithrombotic drug administration observational sheet of critically ill patients' outcomes. Results :The studied nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge level as regards to general knowledge about subcutaneous anticoagulants, subcutaneous anticoagulants' adverse effects and Nurses' responsibilities concerning subcutaneous anticoagulants in percentages of 96.7%,96.7% and 90% respectively .Also unsatisfactory practice level regarding pre, during, post injection of anticoagulants in percentage of 100%.The most frequent adverse outcomes were localized represented in pain, bruising, itching and hematoma in percentages of 93%,85%,70%,58% respectively. Where less frequent adverse outcomes were systemic represented in Thrombocytopenia hematuria ,epistaxis and melena in percentages of 6%,4%,3.3%and 1.7% respectively

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