title: A survey of critical care nurses' knowledge of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are potentially life threatening conditions. Critical care nurses need to understand the factors that predispose patients to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Predicting and managing IAH and ACS are important to improve health outcomes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this paper was to (1) assess the knowledge of Australian critical care nurses about current IAH and ACS practice guidelines, measurement techniques, predictors for the development of IAH and ACS and (2) identify barriers in recognizing IAH, ACS and measuring IAP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between October 2014 and April 2015 86 registered nurses employed in the area of critical care were recruited via the form to participate in an on-line, 19-item questionnaire. The survey was distributed to critical care nurses via the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) mailing list and directly to intensive care units via The majority of participants were women (n=62) all participants were registered nurses employed in critical care the response rate was 3.2%. The study design was used to establish demographic data, employment data, and individuals' knowledge related to IAH and ACS. Participants had the option to write hand written responses in addition to selecting a closed question response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that most survey participants were able to identify some obvious causes of IAH. However, less than 20% were able to recognize less apparent indices of risk. A lack of education related to IAP monitoring was identified by nearly half (44.2%) of respondents as the primary barrier to monitoring IAP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Critical care clinicians' knowledge of IAH and ACS is generally low in the areas of presentation and outcomes of IAH and ACS requiring tailored and targeted educational interventions.
authors.affiliation: Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Liverpool Hospital, University of Technology Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: l.hunt@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Leanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.affiliation: Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: s.frost@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Frost
authors.affiliation: University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Electronic address: phillip.newton@uts.edu.au.
authors.forename: Phillip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Applied Nursing Research (CANR), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: y.salamonson@westernsydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Yenna
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Salamonson
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Electronic address: pdavidson@jhu.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Davidson
mesh_terms: D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D059325:Intra-Abdominal Hypertension / Q000451:nursing*
keywords: Abdominal compartment syndrome; Critical care; Critical practice guidelines; Intra-abdominal hypertension; Nurses’ knowledge