Background of the Study
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies, often requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent complications such as peritonitis or sepsis (Sulaimon et al., 2023). The timely diagnosis and management of appendicitis are crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the mortality rate associated with delayed treatment (Salem et al., 2024). Emergency departments (EDs) are frequently the first point of contact for patients presenting with symptoms of acute appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting (Adeyanju et al., 2023). Nurses, being integral members of the emergency team, are often responsible for the initial assessment, monitoring, and support of patients with suspected appendicitis, making their preparedness essential for effective care.
In Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the emergency department handles numerous cases of acute appendicitis, yet research on the preparedness of nurses to respond to these cases is scarce. Nurses must be equipped with knowledge of appendicitis symptoms, diagnostic protocols, and emergency management procedures to provide timely and efficient care (Ogunjimi et al., 2023). This study aims to evaluate the preparedness of nurses working in the emergency department at LASUTH to manage acute appendicitis, focusing on their knowledge, skills, and ability to implement management protocols effectively.
Statement of the Problem
Acute appendicitis is a frequent surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention. However, the preparedness of nurses to respond to appendicitis cases in the emergency department is uncertain. Gaps in knowledge and skills, as well as challenges related to resources and training, may hinder nurses’ ability to provide optimal care. Therefore, evaluating the preparedness of nurses in managing acute appendicitis at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital is critical to ensuring effective management of these cases and improving patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the knowledge of nurses regarding the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis at LASUTH.
To evaluate the preparedness of nurses in responding to cases of acute appendicitis in the emergency department.
To identify the barriers nurses face in providing effective care for patients with acute appendicitis in the emergency department.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of nurses regarding the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis at LASUTH?
How prepared are nurses in the emergency department at LASUTH to respond to cases of acute appendicitis?
What barriers do nurses encounter in managing acute appendicitis cases in the emergency department?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge of appendicitis management and their preparedness to respond to cases in the emergency department.
Nurses with more experience in emergency care are better prepared to manage acute appendicitis cases than those with less experience.
Insufficient resources significantly affect nurses' preparedness to manage acute appendicitis in the emergency department.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the emergency department at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. It will assess their knowledge, preparedness, and challenges in managing acute appendicitis cases. Limitations include potential response bias and the applicability of findings to other hospitals with different resource levels.
Definitions of Terms
Acute appendicitis: An inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical intervention to prevent complications.
Preparedness: The level of readiness and ability of nurses to manage acute appendicitis cases in the emergency department.
Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for patient care in emergency departments, including the initial management of acute appendicitis.
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