Knowledge of Intravenous Therapy Among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of intravenous therapy among nursing students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 diploma nursing students randomly selected from a private university in Malaysia between November 30 and December 30, 2023. The study found that 90% had moderate knowledge of intravenous therapy. Year 1 nursing students had the lowest knowledge level (52.9%), and medical placement students scored lower than surgical placement students (70.6%). Statistical tests revealed significant associations between knowledge level and year of nursing education (P = .021), current clinical placement (P = .046), and experience in assisting in intravenous therapy (P = .011). The majority of the nursing students were female (88.2%), with 52.4% having surgical placement postings and 78.8% having experience in assisting with intravenous therapy. Nursing education significantly impacts clinical placements (P = < .001), with year 2 nursing students in medical placements assisting more in intravenous therapy than those in years 1 and year 3. Overall, year 3 nursing students in surgical settings had more opportunities in intravenous therapy involvement than students in medical placements. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for intervention to improve nursing students' knowledge of intravenous therapy.