الفهرس 
• INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The accurate monitoring of fluid balance activities is a vital part of patients‟ baseline information, which guides medical and nursing interventions to achieve physiological stability. Inaccurate monitoring of fluid balance especially in critically ill patients can deteriorate patients‟ conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying guidelines on nurses’ performance regarding fluid and electrolyte imbalances in intensive care units. Design: A quasi- experimental research design was utilized in the study sample. A convenience sample of 72 nurses of both sexes working at ICUS in Damietta General Hospital. Two tools were used to collect the needed data; structured Questionnaire for nurses ’knowledge assessment and nurses’ practice assessment. Results of the present study revealed that, The majority of nurses had satisfactory knowledge immediately and after guidelines applications comparing to before guidelines application and follow up after .Regarding fluid loss, also more than two thirds of nurses had satisfactory knowledge immediately after guidelines applications and follow up comparing to before guidelines application .There were statistically significant relation regarding scores of nurses’ practice regarding fluid & electrolyte imbalances monitor and management pre, immediately after and follow up after guidelines applications in area of fluid and electrolyte monitor score, fluid and electrolyte management score and total practice .Conclusion: there were negative correlation between total knowledge and practice scores among the studied nurses before the guidelines, immediately after the guidelines regarding general knowledge, and follow up the guidelines regarding general knowledge. Results of the study recommended that, continues education for nurses are required to have the knowledge and competence to care for patients, which includes understanding the indications for and importance of fluid balance charts and fluid &electrolyte imbalance management.