Title: An observational study on use of Glasgow coma scale in neurology patients among staff nurses of the intensive care units and emergency departments in selected hospitals at Mangaluru
Authors: Mrs. Jonita Wilma Rodrigues, Dr (Mrs) Larissa Martha Sams
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i7.21
Abstract
Background: Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is a neurological scale which aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of person, for initial as well as subsequent assessment. The ultimate goal in the use of GCS is to identify those in need of acute intervention as early as possible and thus prevent secondary brain injuries. From a clinical and educational point of view, all health care professionals working in critical care setting should be competent to monitor and be equipped with clinical skills required that ensure high levels of patient safety and quality care.
Methodology: A descriptive survey approach was adopted to determine the use of Glasgow coma scale among the staff nurses of the intensive care units and emergency departments of selected hospitals at Mangalore. By purposive sampling, 60 samples were selected for the study. Data was collected from the sample by using Demographic and Clinical Proforma, Rating scale and Observational Checklist.
Results: There was a significant difference in the use of Glasgow coma scale among the nurses of Medical ICU, Neuro ICU and Emergency departments (F=3.18,P,0.05). Hence the null hypotheses(H01) was rejected and research hypotheses was accepted. There was no significant association in use of GCS with the selected demographic variables of staff nurses. Hence the null hypotheses (H02) was accepted and research hypothesis was rejected..
Conclusion: From the findings of the study it can be concluded that majority of the nurses used the Glasgow coma scale appropriately.
Keywords: Observational Study, Glasgow coma scale, Neurology patients, Intensive care units, Emergency Departments.
References
- Lewis S, Heitkemper M, Dirksen S. Medical surgical nursing: assessment and management of clinical problems. 7th 2007; 1442.
- Dowsen S. Brain and nervous system. 2010. Available from: URL: http://kidshealth.org/parent /body_ basics/. nervous system.html.
- Edwards S. Using the Glasgow Coma Scale: analysis and limitations. British Journal of Nursing 2001;10(2):92-101.
- Palmer R, Knight J. Assessment of altered conscious level in clinical practice. British Journal of Nursing 2006;15(22):1255-9.
- Bordini AL, Luiz TF, Fernandes M. Historical Review and Neuropsychiatry 2010;68(6):930-7.
- Traumatic brain injury information. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Available from: URL:http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi.htm
- Black JM, Hawks JH. Medical surgical nursing : clinical management for positive
- Weller FB. Neurological evaluation techniques. Nurse’s Dictionary.
- McNarry AF, Goldhill DR. Simple bedside assessment of level of consciousness: comparison of two simple assessment scales with the Glasgow Coma Scale. 2004 Jan;59(1):34-7.
- Matis G, Birbilis. The Glasgow Coma scale –a brief review, 2008. Available from: URL: http//www.mendley.com/research/Glasgow Coma Scale
- Heim C, Schoetker P, Spahn DR. Glasgow Coma Scale in traumatic brain injury 2004 Dec;53(12):1245-55.
- Ogunfowokan AA, Olaogun AA, Okorodudu TU. Evaluation of clinical nurses’ use of Glasgow Coma Scale in selected Teaching Hospital in Osun State Nigeria. West African Journal of Nursing 2010;21(2):87–92.
- Glasgow Coma Scale. Wikipedia. Available from: URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgowcoma
- Hickey JV. The clinical practice of neurological and neurosurgical nursing. 4th Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company; 1997. p. 133-61.
- Ihsan M, Sok YL, Moon FC. A study to explore nurses knowledge in using the Glasgow Coma Scale in an acute care hospital. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing; 45(5):272-80.