Diana Carter, Brigham Young University
Health
Purpose:
The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the accuracy of blood and fluid loss estimation by student nurses, registered nurses, and healthcare providers. Hypothesis: Visual estimation of blood and fluid loss by student nurses, registered nurses, and healthcare providers is inaccurate.
Methodology:
Data was collected via convenience sampling at BYU and at various IHC hospitals in Utah County. Subjects included nursing students, registered nurses, patient care technicians, EMTs, paramedics, and other allied healthcare professionals. Eight scenarios with varying degrees of simulated blood and fluid loss were presented to the participants on the day of each sampling. Subjects were given an implied consent form and survey to record estimations and demographic information. Data analysis was completed using SPSS.
Findings:
Students’ mean estimates were significantly different than actual volumes for six of eight scenarios, and professionals’ mean estimates were significantly different for two of eight scenarios. The larger the volume of liquid the less accurate the estimates, and for all scenarios, individual estimates varied widely indicating that consistency is a problem. Four of eight scenarios were significantly underestimated, and professionals tended to underestimate in all scenarios except two.
Implications:
The ability of healthcare professionals to correctly quantify blood and fluid loss is an important factor in providing quality care as it often directs healthcare interventions. Underestimation can lead to delays in treatment and can be detrimental to the patient. Overestimation can lead to needless, wasteful, costly, and often times dangerous treatments placing the patient at risk for harm and additional comorbidities. Professionals must accurately estimate the quantity of blood loss from their patients in order to provide quality care.
Conclusion:
Visual estimation of blood and fluid loss is inaccurate and inconsistent, and other methods, such as the gravimetric method, should be used to quantify losses in clinical practice.