ABSTRACT
Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices among nurses regarding patient care, following cardiac catheterization, at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality, globally. Nurses are the largest body of health care professionals who attempt to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Design: This study employed a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study design to answer the research questions. Methodology: The data were collected from 70 participants using two instruments. Knowledge was assessed through a 50-multiple-choice questions-based questionnaire, whereas, to assess the practices, an observational checklist was utilized which comprised of 20 components. Findings: The majority of the nurses, 54.3%, had adequate, 40% nurses had inadequate, and only 5.7% nurses had excellent knowledge scores. Moreover, 87.1% nurses were observed as carrying out unsatisfactory practices, whereas, only 12.9% nurses were found carrying out satisfactory practices. Conclusion: Since variation in the practices was observed in each of the department, therefore, there is a need for further research, to assess nurses’ attitudes through a qualitative approach and to develop and implement a standard post-cardiac catheterization care protocol.