Effect of Nursing Intervention Program on Maintaining Fluid and Electrolytes Balance among Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a critical problem in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients. They need to adhere to a therapeutic regimen for maintenance of adequate fluid and electrolyte balance.

Aim of study: to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention program on maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance among patients with congestive heart failure.

Subjects and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of the cardiology department at Zagazig University Hospitals on 60 patients suffering from CHF. The tools used in data collection were an interview questionnaire form for knowledge and observation checklists for practice, in addition to an input/output sheet. The researcher prepared the educational health promotion program, implemented it, and measured its immediate and 3-month follow-up effects.

Results: Patients’ age ranged between 33 and 85 years, with 55.0% males. Patients’ knowledge improved from 3.3% pre-intervention to 81.7% post-intervention phase, and 75.0% at the follow-up (p<0.001). Their practices improved from 1.7% pre-intervention to 81.7% post-intervention, and 75.0% at follow-up (p<0.001). The prevalence of edema decreased from 73.3% pre-intervention to 26.7% at follow-up (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the study intervention was the main positive predictor of the knowledge and practice scores.

Conclusion and recommendations: The need-based educational intervention is effective in improving CHF patients’ knowledge, practices, and physical signs. The study recommends a wide scale use of the program by nurses. The study should be replicated with a randomized clinical trial design for stronger evidence. Further research is proposed to assess the effectiveness of the program on the quality of life of the patients suffering from CHF.