Knowledge and Practice Regarding Fluid Management of Cardiac Unit Patients After Surgery Among Nursing Students at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances frequently complicate postoperative recovery in cardiac surgery patients, demanding meticulous management to avoid significant morbidity. Nurses play a pivotal role in monitoring and intervening to maintain hemodynamic stability, yet evidence indicates persistent gaps in translating theoretical knowledge into practical care, particularly among nursing students. Objective: To evaluate nursing students’ knowledge and practice regarding fluid management in post-cardiac surgery patients before and after a structured educational intervention. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 nursing students at Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore, using a validated questionnaire assessing fluid management competencies. Participants received a 90-minute educational session covering assessment, documentation, and management of fluid balance. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Mean knowledge and practice scores increased significantly from 51.10 (SD=7.99) to 56.95 (SD=7.28), yielding a mean difference of +5.85 (95% CI: 3.30 to 8.40; p<0.001; Cohen’s d=0.75). Significant improvements were observed in documentation practices, vital signs monitoring, and assessments of gas exchange and peripheral circulation. Some domains, such as exercise tolerance assessment, showed inconsistent trends, suggesting targeted areas for further training. Conclusion: Structured education significantly enhances nursing students’ competencies in fluid management for post-cardiac surgery patients, though additional experiential learning and mentorship are recommended to consolidate complex clinical skills.