RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CPR KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE CHALLENGES AMONG NURSES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, LAHORE

Abstract

Background Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality, and timely initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical for patient survival. Nurses are often the first responders to cardiac emergencies in tertiary care hospitals; therefore, adequate CPR knowledge and the ability to overcome practice-related challenges are essential. Despite established CPR guidelines, nurses frequently encounter barriers that may hinder effective resuscitation efforts, particularly in high-acuity clinical settings. Aim To determine the correlation between CPR knowledge and practice challenges among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Methods A correlational cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted at Services Hospital, Lahore, and included 80 registered staff nurses selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic information, a CPR knowledge assessment based on American Heart Association guidelines, and a practice challenges scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics and CPR knowledge levels. Chi-square tests assessed associations between CPR knowledge and demographic variables, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient determined the relationship between CPR knowledge and practice challenges. Results The mean CPR knowledge score was 7.85 ± 2.41, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. More than half of the nurses demonstrated moderate CPR knowledge. Lack of confidence, inadequate training, and psychological stress were the most frequently reported practice challenges. CPR knowledge was significantly associated with clinical area and clinical experience (p < 0.05). A statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found between CPR knowledge and practice challenges (r = −0.42, p < 0.001). Conclusion Nurses exhibited moderate CPR knowledge, and higher knowledge was associated with fewer perceived practice challenges. Regular training, simulation-based learning, and institutional support are recommended to enhance CPR competency and improve resuscitation outcomes.