Background: Patient safety has become an area of interest in many countries. One of the most important types of patient safety is pressure ulcers that constitute an important sanitary problem that daily affects the patients and the health care systems. Several studies have indicated that nurses' knowledge, perception and practices about pressure ulcer (PU) prevention are inadequate. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess nurses' knowledge, perception and practices regarding pressure ulcer at the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of Mansoura Emergency Hospital. Material and Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was used to conduct this study on fifty nurses who involved in providing direct care for critically ill patients in Mansoura Emergency Hospital. Three tools were used for data collection: knowledge questionnaire, perception questionnaire and observation checklist. Results: the findings showed that three quarters of nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge, perception and practice regarding pressure ulcer prevention. Positive correlation was found between nurses' knowledge and perception (r=.417 , p=.003). In contrast no correlation existed between nurses' knowledge and practices (r=-.059, p= .682). Conclusion: there is need for continuing education to upgrade nurses' knowledge, increase their perception and improve their practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention. Recommendations: enrichment of nurses' knowledge, perception and practices related to pressure ulcer prevention to be the cornerstone in care of critically ill patients. As well, replication of this study on large probability sample.

Background: Literature review cited that, Sepsis is a common clinical condition associated with a high mortality rate among hospitalized patients and constitutes one of the main causes of death worldwide. Critical care nurses are the health care professionals who have the obligation to protect critically ill patients against infection especially that leading to sepsis, in order to enhance patients' recovery, prevent deterioration in their health, and provide high quality nursing care. Even so critical care nurses should have sound knowledge and strict adherence to sepsis bundle. Aim of the study: to assess nurses' knowledge and evaluate their practice regarding sepsis bundle. Research design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Sample: A convenience sample that including 50 ICU nurses was recruited in the current study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Units at Emergency Hospital Mansoura University. Tools of data collection: Two tools were utilized, tested for clarity and viability, and then used to collect data pertinent to the study: Tool I: Structured Interview Questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge regarding sepsis bundle. Tool II: Nurses' Practice Observational Checklist to evaluate nurses' practice regarding sepsis bundle. Results: the current study revealed that, approximately two-thirds (68%) of the studied sample had unsatisfactory knowledge level (<75%) with a mean total knowledge score of (43.82 ± 7.95). As well as, all studied sample (100%) had unsatisfactory performance level (<75%) with a mean total performance scores of (59.58 ± 5.7). Negative correlations were found between mean knowledge scores and mean practice scores; (r = 0.1at P = 0.5). Conclusion: Based on study findings, it can be revealed that critical care nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and performance level regarding sepsis bundle. Recommendation: updating knowledge and performance of ICU nurses through continuing in-service educational programs; emphasizing the importance of following the latest evidence-based practices regarding sepsis bundle in continuing education / training programs; strict observation of nurses' performance and utilization of sepsis bundle and correction of poor practices are required; and providing training programs for newly joined ICU nurses about sepsis bundle and at regular intervals.

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Background Tube feeding in critically ill patients is often hampered gastrointestinal and metabolic outcomes/complications; it is significantly contributing to the morbidity and mortality rates. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess outcomes associated with tube feeding. Research questions Q1: What are the gastrointestinal complications associated with tube feeding among critically ill patients at intensive care units in Cairo, Egypt? Q2: What is the nutritional status of critically ill patients on tube feeding at intensive care units in Cairo, Egypt? Sample A purposive sample of 64 adult male and female patients who were admitted to intensive care units and using tube feeding. Tools of data collection Three tools were utilized: demographic and medical data tool, tube feeding outcomes tool, nutritional assessment tool. Results In about half of the study sample, age ranged between 51 and 70 years and 51.6% of them were males. Moreover, 78% of the studied sample developed gastrointestinal complications. Vomiting was occurred in (33%) diarrhea (34.4%) constipation in (47%) increased high gastric residual volumes in (18%) of the studied sample. Redness and ulceration of tube insertion site have been observed in 67% of the studied sample. Subjective global assessment score shows a significant statistical correlation between before and after tube feeding as P=0.006. Hyperglycemia was observed in 15.6% while hypoglycemia was observed in only 6.3%. Conclusion Tube feedings have a significant negative effect on nutritional and gastrointestinal outcomes. Recommendation Further studies have to be carried out in order to assess the relationship between implementation of tube feeding protocols and nutritional outcomes.

Background Understanding the arterial blood gases’ (ABG) analysis report, its interpretation, and applying this in practice represents an essential skill for critical care nurses. Aim To assess critical care nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding ABG interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate. Research questions Q1: What is the level of critical care nurses’ knowledge regarding ABG’ interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate? Q2: What is the level of critical care nurses’ practice regarding ABG interpretation at a university hospital, Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate? Design A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Sample A sample of convenience, including all male and female critical care nurses who are working in the selected settings and willing to participate in this study. Setting This study was conducted at different ICUs affiliated to a University Hospital − Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate. Tools Three tools were developed, tested for clarity, and feasibility: (a) nurse’s personal and background data sheet, (b) nurses’ knowledge-assessment questionnaire about ABG’ interpretation, and (c) critical care nurses’ practice regarding ABG interpretation observational checklist. Results The majority of the studied sample (94.6 and 100%) had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice level with a mean of 9.45±2.94 and 30.5+8.7, respectively. Moreover, 29.7% of the study participants had satisfactory practice level about double-check of ABG result and had unsatisfactory practice level about analysis of ABG parameters, recording ABG results, reporting ABG results, follow-up of medical care, and double-check of ABG with a percentage of 100, 100, 94.6, 83.8, and 70.3%, respectively. Finally, knowledge level was not found to differ significantly in relation to sex (t=1.142 at P≤0.261). However, sex did not play a role in relation to practice (t=0.528 at P≤0.601). Conclusion Critical care nurses (in the current study) had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice scores regarding ABG interpretation. Recommendations Updating knowledge and practice of ICU nurses through carrying out continuing educational programs about ABG interpretation, strict observation of nurses’ practice when caring for patients with acid and base imbalance and providing feedback to maintain practices, and replication of this study on larger-probability sample selected from different geographical areas.