Effect of nursing intervention on reducing complications for patients with ruptured esophageal varices

Abstract

Background One of the most common complications in people with liver cirrhosis is esophageal varices, and they do not exhibit any symptoms until they bleed. Aim Evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on reducing complications for patients with ruptured esophageal varices. Design A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting This study was conducted in the Medical Department at Al-Rajhi Liver Hospital at Assiut University. Patients A convenient sample of 30 nurses and a purposive sample of 60 patients who were divided equally into study and control groups. Tools A structured interview questionnaire sheet for nurses, a structured interview questionnaire sheet for patients, Glasgow–Blatchford Bleeding scale, and patients’ complications assessment sheet. Results There was a significant enhancement of nurses’ knowledge and practice mean scores after the implementation of the nursing intervention (25.53±2.25, 166.53±15.51) than before (13.76±5.83, 95.3±26.38), respectively, with a statistically significant difference. There was a statistically significant difference between the study and control group patients related to complications of shock, hemodynamic instability, and disturbed conscious level with a P value less than 0.001. Conclusion There was a significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge and practice after the implementation of nursing intervention, which reflected a decrease in patients’ complications. Recommendations Regular training programs for nurses and preparing instructions booklet for patients with esophageal varices.