COMBINED VERSUS CONVENTIONAL PULMONARY NURSING INTERVENTIONS ON IMPROVING SELECTED RESPIRATORY OUTCOMES AMONG LAPAROTOMY PATIENTS AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Abstract:Changes in pulmonary dynamics following laparotomy have been reported. Pulmonary nursing interventions (PNIs) involves several modalities such as nursing practice,nursing education and training to deliver high quality health care services. Aim: to compare the effect of combined versus conventional pulmonary nursing interventions on improving selecte drespiratory outcomes among laparotomy patients. Design: The research was conducted on twogroups utilizing nonequivalent quasi-experimental design. Sample: Purposive sample of 80 laparotomy patients’ were recruited. Four tools were utilized including personal and medical, dyspnea scale and chest X-ray. Results:The research highlighted that there was a statistically significant difference between both groups at p=0.05regarding the Respiratory outcomes, including the chest X-rays findings. The combined intervention group had clear air entry and chest sound along the 1^st to 5^th  postoperative days,comparing to conventional group who experienced dyspnea at 1^st and 2^ndpostoperative days.Conclusion: combined nursing interventions improved the selected respiratory outcomes through decrease inflammation, dyspnea, signs of infection and improved with clarity of chest for patients post laparotomy.Recommendations: Hospitals should recommend implementing protocols for combined pulmonary nursing intervention for perioperative laparotomy patients in all hospital.