An Appraisal of Nurses’ Preparedness in Managing Sepsis in Critical Care Units of Borno State Teaching Hospital
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critical care settings worldwide, with a high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria (Ogbu et al., 2023). It is a life-threatening condition resulting from an exaggerated immune response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and, if not promptly treated, death (Singer et al., 2024). The role of nurses in early detection and effective management of sepsis is critical, as timely interventions such as fluid resuscitation, antibiotic administration, and continuous patient monitoring can significantly reduce mortality rates.
In Borno State Teaching Hospital (BSTH), nurses working in critical care units are expected to be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage sepsis. However, challenges such as inadequate training, resource constraints, and delayed diagnosis often hinder effective sepsis management (Abubakar & Yusuf, 2023). The preparedness of nurses in BSTH is, therefore, a crucial factor in determining patient outcomes.
This study seeks to appraise the preparedness of nurses in managing sepsis in BSTH’s critical care units, assessing their knowledge, adherence to guidelines, and the availability of necessary resources. The findings will help identify gaps and recommend strategies to enhance sepsis management in the hospital.
Statement of the Problem
Despite advances in sepsis management, delayed recognition and inadequate treatment remain significant challenges in Nigerian healthcare facilities (Eze et al., 2024). Studies have shown that early identification and intervention significantly improve survival rates, yet many hospitals face barriers such as insufficient training, lack of diagnostic tools, and understaffing (Nwosu & Bello, 2023). In BSTH, the extent to which nurses are prepared to manage sepsis effectively remains unclear, raising concerns about patient safety and outcomes.
If nurses are not adequately trained or equipped to handle sepsis, critical care patients may suffer prolonged hospital stays, increased complications, or higher mortality rates. This study will assess the current state of nurse preparedness in sepsis management, identify deficiencies, and suggest improvements to enhance care delivery in BSTH’s critical care units.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of knowledge of nurses in BSTH’s critical care units regarding sepsis management.
- To evaluate the adherence of nurses to sepsis management protocols in BSTH.
- To identify challenges faced by nurses in managing sepsis in BSTH’s critical care units.
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses in BSTH regarding sepsis management?
- To what extent do nurses adhere to sepsis management protocols in BSTH?
- What challenges hinder effective sepsis management by nurses in BSTH?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses with higher levels of knowledge about sepsis management provide better patient outcomes.
- Adherence to sepsis management protocols significantly improves patient recovery in critical care units.
- Nurses in BSTH face significant challenges in the management of sepsis.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in BSTH’s critical care units, evaluating their preparedness in managing sepsis. Limitations include variations in training levels among nurses and potential self-reporting bias in assessing preparedness.
Definitions of Terms
- Sepsis: A severe medical condition resulting from an extreme immune response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure.
- Critical Care Unit: A hospital unit specializing in treating critically ill patients requiring intensive medical attention.
- Nurse Preparedness: The level of knowledge, training, and readiness of nurses to handle specific medical emergencies such as sepsis.
