Physical examination in nursing: evaluation of theoretical-practical knowledge

Abstract

Objective: To verify the theoretical and practical knowledge of nurses on the technique of cephalo-caudal physical examination at a university hospital in the city of São Paulo. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study with a quantitative approach carried out with 51 nurses from inpatient and adult intensive care units, submitted to a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the results was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using evidence of association between the variables of interest. Results: The data revealed success rates above 70%. Graduation was considered the period of the greatest acquisition of knowledge about the physical examination (p = 0.039). The time since graduation was associated with higher education (p <0.05), which was decisive for the practice of physical examination (73.8%). Conclusion: the findings of this investigation reinforce the importance of continuing education with nurses for the practice of physical examination in order to maintain quality care oriented to patient safety.