Determining the Awareness of Nurses Regarding the Basics of Blood Pressure Control

Measuring blood pressure is one of the most important clinical skills of nursing. Most nurses think controlling blood pressure is a simple and banal matter. However, Nurses should be able to measure vital signs and the correct values to understand and interpret and report fi ndings to appropriate. Aim of this study is to determine the nurses’ awareness level of the basic principles of blood pressure control.

This study is a descriptive-analytic study performed on 85 nurses working in Valiasr Hospital, Borujen, Iran 2009. Data was collected using the demographic information questionnaire and the primary information questionnaire regarding blood pressure control. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical tests, chi square and direct t test.

The results confirmed that nurses have little primary information and awareness about basic blood pressure control information. The highest awareness level of participants was 58%. Also the awareness level of personnel in general wards is higher than those of specialized wards (P< 0.01).

The nurses’ role in monitoring vital signs, especially on the patients’ acceptance, monitoring the treatment process and discharge can not be disregarded. Therefore, it is necessary to provide clinical skill training such as monitoring vital signs for nurses.