Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Early Recognition and Management of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome at Tertiary Hospitals in Karachi: Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Early Recognition and Management of Patients with ACS

Farrukh Ahmed Siddiqui; Muhammad Yaqoob; Sunita Rehman; Sana Shakeel; Danish Ahmed Khan

doi:10.54393/nrs.v6i2.238

Authors

Farrukh Ahmed Siddiqui Male College of Nursing, Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Karachi, Pakistan
Muhammad Yaqoob Dow Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Sunita Rehman Department of Nursing, Saifee Burhani School of Nursing, Karachi, Pakistan
Sana Shakeel Male College of Nursing, Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Karachi, Pakistan
Danish Ahmed Khan Male College of Nursing, Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/nrs.v6i2.238

Keywords:

Acute Coronary Syndrome, Clinical Competence, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Nurses

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) representing a significant proportion of these cases. Nurses play a critical role in the early recognition and management of ACS; however, knowledge gaps may compromise patient outcomes and timely interventions. Objectives: To assess practicing nurses' knowledge in recognizing and managing patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) at tertiary care centers in Karachi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 registered nurses recruited from CCU, ICU, HDU, and Emergency Departments of three tertiary care hospitals using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured 20-item questionnaire. Normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (age: KS=0.087, p=0.068; knowledge scores: KS=0.092, p=0.052), and associations were examined using chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.050. Results: Among 240 participants, 132 (55%) demonstrated excellent knowledge, 60 (25%) good knowledge, 24 (10%) average knowledge, and 24 (10%) poor knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge level and age (p=0.003), gender (p=0.045), and qualification (p=0.043), while experience showed no significant association (p=0.660). However, the borderline significance of gender (p=0.045) and qualification (p=0.043) associations should be interpreted cautiously, as p-values close to the 0.050 threshold indicate that relatively small changes in sample composition or data distribution could potentially affect statistical significance. Conclusions: While 80% of nurses demonstrated satisfactory ACS knowledge, notable deficiencies in ECG interpretation and pharmacological management require targeted educational interventions. Regular continuing education, simulation-based training, and competency assessment programs are recommended to enhance nursing competencies in ACS care at tertiary care settings.

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