Introduction: The skin is the body’s largest sensory organ, covering the body in addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, injury and infection the skin also regulates body temperature. Stores water and fat prevents the entry of bacteria which also act as a sensory organ.
Circulating blood volume decreases dramatically during burn shock. In addition evaporative fluid loss through the burn wound may reach 3 to 5 liters or more over 24 hour period until the burn surface are recovered. During burn shock, serum sodium levels vary in response to fluid resuscitation. Hyponatremia is common during the first week of the acute phase, as water shifts from the interstitial to the vascular space immediately after burn injury. Hyperkalemia (excessive potassium) results from massive cell destruction. Hypokalemia (potassium depletion) may occur later with fluid shift and inadequate potassium replacement.
Aim: The study is conducted to assess the knowledge and practice regarding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy for patient with burns among staff nurses.
Materials and Methods: Quantitative approach and descriptive survey design are used to conduct the study in Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore, among 100 staff nurses selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study showed that level of knowledge regarding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy for patient with burns among 100 samples, 15(15%) have adequate knowledge, 62(62%) have moderately adequate knowledge and 23(23%) have inadequate knowledge. The study shows that practice regarding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy for patient with burns among working nurses and 37(37%) safe practice 42(42%) moderately safe practice and 21(21%) have unsafe.
Conclusion: In the present study the following conclusion
were between from finding study. The nurse had adequate knowledge regarding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy and they are able to safely practice the fluid and electrolyte replacement.
