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NURSES USE OF GLASGOW COMA SCALE IN NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY EDO STATE , NIGERIA.

Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus,
Ehwarieme T.A*, 2Anarado A.N
Corresponding Author: timy4real12@gmail.com; Tel: +2348068178477
Recieved Date: June, 2017; Accepted Date: June, 2017; Published Date: 2017
ABSTRACT

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a reliable tool in assessing patients` level of consciousness. This study assessed nurses` use of GCS for neurological assessment of patients in a tertiary health facility in Edo state. Descriptive, cross-sectional study of all nurses (226) working in wards/units where unconscious patients are nursed. Data were collected using researchers` developed and pre-tested questionnaire and an observational check-list. Data were summarized using proportions and means. Hypotheses were tested using ANOVA at P=0.05 level of significance. Only 23.4% of the respondents have used the GCS, with significant (p>0.05) differences in usage between the wards/units. Nurses working in A&E had the highest usage (66.7%), while those in neurological ward and ICU expressed more confidence in usage. Lack of continuing clinical education/updates on GCS, and lack of enforcement of GCS use in assessment were the major factors contributing to non-use of GCS by nurses.

Keywords: Glasgow coma scale, Unconscious patients, Neurological assessment
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