Nursing Care in the Acute Abdomen: Competency Assessment in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: Acute abdomen is a major medical emergency that requires prompt and effective intervention to prevent complications. Nursing personnel play a key role in its evaluation and initial management. This study assesses the competencies of nursing staff at the Student University Health Insurance (SSUE) in the care of patients with acute abdomen, analyzing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Objective: To evaluate the competencies of nursing personnel in the care of patients with acute abdomen in the SSUE emergency service, describing their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes in managing this condition. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, study was conducted with a quantitative approach. Surveys and direct observation were applied to a sample of 10 nurses. Variables such as sociodemographic characteristics, education level, training frequency, and adherence to clinical protocols were analyzed. Results: 70% of the staff hold a nursing degree, 80% received specific training in acute abdomen in the past two years, and most correctly identify the main symptoms. However, deficiencies were found in recognizing urgent surgical diagnoses and applying assessment scales. Regarding practical skills, staff properly perform venous catheterization and vital signs monitoring but show room for improvement in hemodynamic monitoring. In terms of attitude, 90% actively collaborate in teams, though a minority still perceives their role as dependent on the physician. Conclusions: SSUE nursing staff demonstrate a moderate level of competency in acute abdomen care, excelling in general knowledge and basic procedures but requiring improvement in assessment tool application and the recognition of less common pathologies.