An Appraisal of Nurses' Knowledge and Management of Pediatric Febrile Convulsions in Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Febrile convulsions are common in pediatric patients, typically occurring between the ages of six months and five years due to sudden fever spikes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). These seizures are often benign but can be distressing for caregivers and healthcare providers, sometimes leading to unnecessary medical interventions (Adeyemi & Musa, 2023). While most febrile convulsions are self-limiting, mismanagement can result in complications such as prolonged seizures, increased recurrence risk, and inappropriate use of anticonvulsants (Eze et al., 2024).
Nurses play a vital role in identifying, managing, and educating caregivers about febrile convulsions. Proper management includes reducing fever promptly, preventing aspiration, ensuring a safe environment during seizures, and educating parents on when to seek medical attention (Okonkwo & Adegbite, 2024). However, research suggests that many nurses lack adequate knowledge of febrile convulsions, leading to misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospital admissions, and parental anxiety (Chukwu & Bello, 2024).
Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital provides pediatric healthcare services, including the management of febrile seizures. Assessing nurses' knowledge and management of pediatric febrile convulsions in this hospital is essential to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring evidence-based care.
Statement of the Problem
Febrile convulsions account for a significant number of pediatric emergency cases in Nigerian hospitals, yet their management remains suboptimal due to varying levels of knowledge among healthcare providers (Musa & Okoro, 2024). Misconceptions about febrile convulsions, including associations with epilepsy or supernatural causes, contribute to unnecessary fear and medical interventions (Bello & Yusuf, 2024). Additionally, some nurses may administer incorrect medications or fail to educate caregivers on seizure first aid (Okoro & Adebayo, 2024).
At Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital, febrile convulsions are frequently reported, but the level of nurses' knowledge and their management strategies remain unclear. This study seeks to evaluate nurses' understanding of pediatric febrile convulsions, identify knowledge gaps, and recommend strategies for improving pediatric care.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses' knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of pediatric febrile convulsions.
- To evaluate nurses' management practices for pediatric febrile convulsions.
- To identify challenges affecting nurses' ability to manage febrile convulsions effectively.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding pediatric febrile convulsions?
- How effectively do nurses manage pediatric febrile convulsions at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital?
- What challenges hinder nurses' effective management of pediatric febrile convulsions?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital have adequate knowledge of pediatric febrile convulsions.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of febrile convulsions and their management practices.
- Addressing knowledge gaps through targeted training will improve nurses' ability to manage pediatric febrile convulsions effectively.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses working in pediatric units at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital. Limitations may include reliance on self-reported knowledge levels and potential variations in clinical experience among nurses.
Definitions of Terms
- Febrile Convulsions: Seizures triggered by fever in children aged six months to five years, usually without underlying neurological conditions.
- Pediatric Emergency: A medical situation requiring immediate care in children.
- Antipyretics: Medications used to reduce fever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Seizure First Aid: The immediate care provided to a child experiencing a seizure to prevent injury.
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