Assessment of Nurses Knowledge towards Post thyroidectomy Management in Nineveh Governorate Hospitals

Background and Aim: Complications that may associated thyroidectomy can often be life-threatening. It is important that nurses have the knowledge and skills to manage the patients with thyroidectomy and potential complications. The study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge towards post thyroidectomy management in Nineveh governorate hospitals. Material and Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in two governmental hospitals are included in the study (Tal Afar General Hospital and Al-Salam Teaching Hospital). The study has been conducted from 7th of October to 30th of December 2019. The study sample was randomly selected consisting of (60) nurses from both hospitals. A special questionnaire tool was constructed by the researcher, this questionnaire tool consisted of two parts, nurses' demographic characteristics and questions for knowledge about post thyroidectomy management in the form of multiple-choice questions. The data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis that included frequency, percentage. Result: The study indicated that 43.3% of the study sample age were20-29 years, with high percentages of 55.0% were females, 40.0% of them were at secondary and institution educational level. Concerning their knowledge majority, 43.3% of them were at not acceptable level 25.0% of them were at a fail level which means 68.3% of the nurses have incorrect responses. Conclusion: The findings of the current study concludes that inadequacy of nurses' knowledge in the medical wards, intensive care units, and recovery room toward post-operative management for the patient with thyroidectomy. Recommendation: conducting an educational program for nurses about post-operative management for the patient with thyroidectomy to improve nurses' knowledge and skills. Keywords: thyroidectomy, management, complications