Assess the Knowledge on Nursing Management of Brain Death Among Nursing Students Aims, Kochi, Kerala

Brain death occurs when there is destruction of the brain cells, including the brain stem and cerebellum. Having correct knowledge of identification of early signs of brain death and the nurse's role in managing the condition increases the student nurses' self-confidence and they can answer questions of the bereaved families. However shortage of the knowledge among nurses is observed practically such as making mistake in diagnosing the difference between brain death and persistent vegetative state. The study titled "Assess the knowledge on nursing management of brain death among nursing students AIMS, KOCHI" was done with the Objectives.1) Determine the knowledge of nursing students regarding nursing management of brain death.2) Associate the knowledge of nursing students with the selected demographic variables.

Purpose: the study findings will facilitate the nursing students to have a positive approach to meet the needs of the bereaved families.

Methodology: A quantitative approach with a descriptive study design was used. Non probability convenience sampling technique was used and selected 80 nursing students from III&IV year BSc Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing. Data was collected using knowledge questionnaire tool. Data analysis of the study was be done using descriptive&inferential statistic technique.

Results: The finding shows that the majority of the nursing students 53 (66.2%) have poor knowledge regarding brain death, 20 (25%) have average knowledge, 4 (5%) have good knowledge&only 3 (3.8%) have excellent knowledge. A significant association was found between age (x2=14.082,p=.003) and class (x2=12.825,p=0.005) with level of knowledge.

Conclusion: The study findings reveal that majority of the students have poor knowledge regarding brain death . This emphasis the need for inclusion of brain death in the curriculum which will enhance the knowledge of brain death and promote the confidence of Nursing students in managing clients with brain death.