Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background:</bold> Post-operative oxygen therapy in pediatric patients is crucial for ensuring adequate oxygenation and improving recovery. However, the role of a nurse is critical in providing oxygen therapy and regular monitoring of patients to avoid hypoxia and oxygen toxicity, but it is dependent on the integration of theoretical knowledge with evidence-based practice. High patient loads create a challenge to nursing practices in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. <bold>Objective:</bold> The aim of the study was to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding post-operative oxygen therapy of Pediatric Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital of Peshawar. <bold>Methodology:</bold> The study was descriptive cross sectional involving 140 registered nurses in three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar working in pediatric surgical and pediatric intensive care units. Data were collected using structured, validated questionnaire consist of demographics, knowledge and practice of nurses dimensions. IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 was used to conduct analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess the variables. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <bold>Result:</bold> A total of 140 nurses participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 28.45 ± 4.12 out of 38. In total, the average knowledge level was observed in 60.0% of the nurses, good knowledge level was observed in 38.6% and poor knowledge level was observed in 1.4% of the nurses about post-operative oxygen therapy. The mean practice score was 32.18 ± 5.24 out of 48, with 77.1% having ‘fair’ practice scores, 14.3% ‘poor’ and 8.6% ‘good’ practice scores. In-service training and clinical experience were significantly related with both knowledge and practice. There was a significant relationship between the knowledge and practice levels (χ² = 11.234, p < 0.001). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Nurses demonstrated generally adequate knowledge and fair practice regarding postoperative oxygen therapy in pediatric patients; however, gaps remain in translating knowledge into optimal clinical practice. Continuous in-service training, competency-based education and reinforcement of clinical guidelines are suggested to enhance practice and improve the quality and safety of post-operative pediatric care. <bold>Clinical Trial Registration</bold> Not applicable (observational crosssectional study). </p>