Ventricular peritoneal shunts are considered to be permanent catheters with longterm
complications. Management of ventricular peritoneal shunts presents major
challenges later in children and their parents’ life, requiring multidisciplinary care
from nurses.
Aim
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of nursing management protocols
on mothers with children having ventricular peritoneal shunts.
Research design
A quasi-experimental design was used for the present study.
Setting
The present study was conducted at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic at Benha
University Hospital followed by home visits.
Sample
A purposive sample of children visiting the Neurology Outpatient Clinic with
ventricular peritoneal shunts during a period of 6 months was included. The
study included 39 children. Two tools were used for data collection. A structured
interview questionnaire was designed and consisted of four parts: part one included
sociodemographic characteristics of the mother and child; part two included past
and present medical history of the child; part three included mothers’ knowledge
regarding ventricular peritoneal shunts, including its meaning, signs of infection,
complications, prevention, and treatment; part four included others practices of
mothers regarding ventricular peritoneal shunt care such as preventing of infection
in the shunt area, preventing other infections, nutrition, treatment, and regular
follow-up.