Abstract
Background: Directing a patient their medications through nasogastric tube (NGT) is a sensibly basic nursing intervention that involves various aptitudes, including preparing the medication, confirming the tube position, flushing the tube and evaluating for potential complications. Inappropriate prescription and preparation of oral drugs given through NGT may result in significant harm to patients. Aim of the study: To assess the nurses' knowledge and practices about medications administration via nasogastric tube at Emergency Hospital. Subjects and method: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized to conduct this study on fifty eight nurses who are associated with giving direct care for critically ill patients in Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University. Data were collected through using two tools: nurses' knowledge assessment questionnaire and nurses' practice observational checklist. Results: Most of nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice level regarding medications administration via nasogastric tube in percentage of 74% &71% respectively. There was no significant statistical correlation existed between total and subtotal knowledge and practices scores regarding medication administration via nasogastric tube. Conclusion: Based on findings of the present study, it can be considered that nurses had deficient knowledge and practices about medications administration via nasogastric tube. There is a need for continuing education to upgrade nurses' knowledge and improve their practice. Recommendation: The study recommended providing training programs/ sessions for nurses regarding safe medications administration via nasogastric tube to enhance their knowledge and improve their practices; availability of printed universal guidelines illustrated simply in posters and booklets for guiding nurses practice regarding medications administration via nasogastric tube; and replication of this study on large probability sample.