The study aimed to assess the role of reflection on intravenous (IV) fluid administration among third-semester nursing students at ASRAM College of Nursing. The objectives were to evaluate students’ knowledge before and after a structured teaching program integrated with reflective practice and to determine associations between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was adopted, involving 60 nursing students selected through purposive sampling, with 30 each in the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a structured teaching program integrated with reflective activities, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a practical skills checklist and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Demographically, 50% of participants were aged 21–23 years, 33.3% were aged 18–20 years, and 16.7% were 24 years and above. Prior exposure to IV fluid administration was reported by 58.3%. In the experimental group, the mean knowledge score improved significantly from 18.3 (SD = 6.3) to 40 (SD = 6.9) with a mean difference of 21.7, t-value = 9.4, p < 0.001. In contrast, the control group showed no significant improvement, with scores increasing from 18.5 (SD = 6) to 20 (SD = 6.2), mean difference = 1.5, t = 1.2, p > 0.05. Practical performance was also superior among the experimental group (70%) compared to the control group (35%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between prior IV fluid administration experience and post-test knowledge (p = 0.03). The study concluded that integrating reflective practice into structured teaching effectively enhances nursing students’ knowledge and clinical competence in IV fluid administration.
Intravenous (IV) fluid administration is a critical nursing procedure essential for hydration, medication delivery, and maintaining homeostasis. Despite its importance, IV therapy carries substantial risk due to its complexity and the direct systemic impact of errors (1,2). Globally, IV medication errors are a major patient safety concern, with studies indicating that more than 50% of serious medication errors involve intravenous drugs (3–5). Error rates in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom range from 5% to 34%, with common issues including wrong dose, incorrect infusion rate, and omission (6,7).
The situation is even more challenging in developing countries, where limited resources, staff shortages, lack of standardized protocols, and inadequate training contribute to higher error rates. Research from Ethiopia reported a 46.1% prevalence of IV medication administration errors, while studies in Malaysia documented error rates up to 88.6% in certain hospital wards (8,9). These errors are often linked to insufficient clinical exposure, lack of knowledge, and poor logistical support (10). At a global level, the World Health Organization estimates that medication errors cost approximately USD 42 billion annually, with IV errors contributing significantly to this burden (11–13).
In India, limited studies have been conducted, but existing evidence indicates similar challenges. High patient loads, variability in nursing education, and insufficient opportunities for reflective learning further increase the risk of IV therapy errors (14). This highlights the need for innovative educational strategies that not only provide structured teaching but also incorporate reflective practice, enabling students to critically analyze their experiences and improve clinical competence.
To address this gap, the present study was undertaken at ASRAM College of Nursing, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, to assess the role of reflection in enhancing knowledge and skills related to IV fluid administration among 3rd semester nursing students. The findings are expected to provide evidence for integrating reflective learning strategies into nursing curricula to improve patient safety and reduce IV-related medication errors.
Reflective practice is increasingly recognized as an essential component in nursing education, fostering critical thinking, self-awareness, and continuous professional development. Deepali Shah (2024) emphasizes reflective teaching as a method of self-observation and self-assessment that enhances educators’ understanding of their professional identity and improves educational outcomes (1). Reflection in clinical practice involves analyzing specific events, including associated thoughts and emotions, to derive lessons for future improvement (2). The use of structured models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle guides nursing students through stages of description, evaluation, and planning actions, thereby supporting experiential learning during clinical procedures such as intravenous (IV) fluid administration (3).
IV fluid therapy is a common yet high-risk nursing procedure requiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skill. Alvarenga et al. (2023) found that undergraduate nursing students possessed moderate knowledge about infusion therapy but exhibited significant gaps in areas such as catheter flushing and equipment use, highlighting the need for enhanced clinical training and reflection (4). Similarly, Huang et al. (2024) demonstrated that training programs incorporating teaching-for-understanding frameworks significantly improved nursing students’ knowledge, performance, and satisfaction related to IV therapy administration compared to traditional methods (5).
Intravenous medication administration remains prone to errors that can compromise patient safety. Ura-Matsu et al. (2024), in a qualitative study, identified discrepancies between nurses’ perceived and actual practices during IV medication administration, underscoring challenges such as verification of correct medication and patient identification as crucial for safer infusion processes (6). This gap in practice further substantiates the importance of reflective learning to bridge theory and practice.
Registered nurses’ knowledge of IV fluid therapy is variable, with many reporting insufficient understanding to provide safe and effective care, as noted in a cross-sectional survey by Thomas and Kamati (2024) among nurses in Namibia (7). Kaliyaperumal (2023) reported moderate knowledge and confidence levels among nursing students in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the necessity of increased hands-on exposure and reflective practice to enhance competence (8).
Reflection not only reinforces knowledge retention but also supports clinical skill development through critical analysis and peer discussion. The integration of reflective practices in nursing education helps students recognize mistakes, consolidate learning, and increase readiness for patient care (9). This aligns with the aim of the present study to evaluate the impact of structured teaching combined with reflection on the competence of third-semester nursing students in IV fluid administration. Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to IV Therapy Practice
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988) is a structured model that guides learners through a process of reflection to improve future performance. It includes six clear stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. This model encourages deep thinking about one’s actions, decisions, and experiences in clinical settings.
Applying Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to IV Therapy
"A STUDY TO ASSESS THE ROLE OF REFLECTION ON INTRAVENOUS FLUID ADMINISTRATION AMONG 3RD SEMESTER NURSING STUDENTS AT ASRAM COLLEGE OF NURSING, ELURU, ANDHRA PRADESH."
Objectives of the Study
Operational Definitions
Hypotheses
Delimitations of the Study
Assumptions of the Study
Study Design: A quantitative, quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups was employed to assess the role of reflection on intravenous (IV) fluid administration among third-semester nursing students.
Study Setting: The study was conducted at ASRAM College of Nursing, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, utilizing both classroom and clinical simulation laboratory environments.
Population and Sample: The study population comprised all third-semester nursing students enrolled at ASRAM College of Nursing. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 students, who were equally divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30).
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Data Collection Tools:
Intervention:
The experimental group received a structured teaching program on IV fluid administration integrated with reflective activities based on Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. Reflection sessions encouraged students to critically analyze their clinical experiences. The control group received routine teaching without reflective components.
Data Collection Procedure:
Pre-test assessments of knowledge and practical skills were conducted for both groups before the intervention. The experimental group then underwent the reflection-integrated structured teaching program over one week. Post-test assessments were conducted one week after the intervention using the same tools for both groups.
Ethical Considerations:
The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of ASRAM College of Nursing. Participant confidentiality was maintained, informed consent was obtained from all participants, and participation was voluntary with the right to withdraw at any time.
Data Analysis:
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) to summarize demographic variables and scores. Inferential statistics included paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-test scores within groups, independent t-tests to compare between groups, and Chi-square tests to assess associations between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The present study evaluated the impact of integrating reflection into IV fluid administration teaching for third-semester nursing students at ASRAM College of Nursing.
Demographic Variables: Frequency and Percentage Table (n = 60)
|
Variable |
Category |
Frequency (n) |
Percentage (%) |
|
1. Age |
18–20 years |
20 |
33.3% |
|
21–23 years |
30 |
50.0% |
|
|
24 years and above |
10 |
16.7% |
|
|
2. Current Level of Education |
Diploma in Nursing |
25 |
41.7% |
|
BSc in Nursing (Year 2) |
15 |
25.0% |
|
|
BSc in Nursing (Year 3) |
20 |
33.3% |
|
|
3. Previous Exposure to IV Fluid Administration |
Yes |
35 |
58.3% |
|
No |
25 |
41.7% |
|
|
4. Self-Assessment of Knowledge on IV Fluid Administration |
Poor |
5 |
8.3% |
|
Fair |
20 |
33.3% |
|
|
Good |
25 |
41.7% |
|
|
Excellent |
10 |
16.7% |
|
|
5. Frequency of IV Fluid Practice in Skills Lab |
Never |
10 |
16.7% |
|
Rarely |
15 |
25.0% |
|
|
Sometimes |
20 |
33.3% |
|
|
Often |
15 |
25.0% |
FREQUENCY AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE ACCORDING TO AGE IN YEARS NO=60
This bar chart shows that the majority of participants (50%) are in the 21–23 years group, followed by 33.3% in the 18–20 years group, and 16.7% in the 24 years and above group. This helps understand the age spread of your study participants.
FREQUENCY AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE ACCORDING TO CURRENT LEVEL OF EDUCATION. NO=60
The pie chart visualizes educational backgrounds: 41.7% have a Diploma in Nursing, 33.3% are in 3rd year BSc Nursing, and 25% are in 2nd year BSc Nursing. This distribution helps in interpreting how educational level may relate to knowledge or experience.
FREQUENCY AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE ACCORDING TO PREVIOUS EXPOSURE TO IV FLUID ADMINISTRATION. NO=60
The graph shows that 58.3% of participants have previous exposure to IV fluid administration, while 41.7% do not. This variable is important because prior experience can impact knowledge levels and skill competence.
FREQUENCY AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE ACCORDING TO SELF ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ON IV.
This bar chart shows that most participants rate their knowledge as Good (41.7%) or Fair (33.3%), with fewer rating it as Excellent (16.7%) or Poor (8.3%). This subjective self-assessment provides insight into confidence levels before or after training.
FREQUENCY AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE ACCORDING TO FREQUENCY OF IV FLUID PRACTICE IN SKILLS LAB.
Description:
Explanation: "The graph shows that most participants practice IV skills occasionally, with fewer practicing rarely, often, or never highlighting gaps in hands-on experience."
COMPARISON BETWEEN POST TEST LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE LEVELS IN EXPERIMENTAL AND CONTROL GROUPS
|
Knowledge Level |
Experimental Group (n=30) |
Control Group (n=30) |
|
Adequate |
18 |
10 |
|
Moderate |
10 |
15 |
|
Inadequate |
2 |
5 |
Explanation:
MEAN AND STANDARD DEVIATION AND T TEST TABLES CONTROL GROUP
|
Group |
Test |
Mean |
Standard Deviation (SD) |
Mean Difference (Post - Pre) |
t-value |
df |
p-value |
Inference |
|
Control |
Pre-test |
18.5 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(n= 30) |
Post-test |
20 |
6.2 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
29 |
>0.05 |
|
Explanation:
In the control group, the participants’ knowledge scores showed only a slight increase from pre-test to post-test.
MEAN AND STANDARD DEVIATION AND T TEST TABLES EXPERIMENTAL GROUP
|
Group |
Test |
Mean |
Standard Deviation (SD) |
Mean Difference (Post - Pre) |
t-value |
df |
p-value |
Inference |
|
Experimental |
Pre-test |
18.3 |
6.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(n = 30) |
Post-test |
40 |
6.9 |
21.7 |
9.4 |
29 |
<0.001 |
|
Explanation:
In the experimental group, the participants’ knowledge scores improved significantly from the pre-test to the post-test.
"THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN POST-TEST KNOWLEDGE SCORES IN THE EXPERIMENTAL GROUP AND SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES OF THE STUDENTS (N = 30)"
|
S. No |
Demographic Variables |
Categories |
Adequate |
Moderate |
Inadequate |
Chi-Square Value (χ²) |
Table Value (5% level) |
df |
Inference |
|
1. |
Age |
18–20 yrs |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21–23 yrs |
6 |
4 |
1 |
0.33 |
9.488 |
4 |
Not Significant |
|
|
|
24 yrs & above |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
Academic performance in the previous semester |
Below average |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good |
7 |
2 |
1 |
0.33 |
9.488 |
4 |
Not Significant |
|
|
|
Excellent |
5 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
Previous Exposure to IV Fluids |
Yes |
15 |
6 |
2 |
0.13 |
5.991 |
2 |
Significant |
|
|
|
No |
5 |
5 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
Self-Assessment of Knowledge |
Poor |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1.086 |
12.592 |
6 |
Not Significant |
|
|
|
Good |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excellent |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Frequency of IV Fluid Practice |
Never Rarely Sometimes Often |
3 4 5 6 |
2 2 3 3 |
1 0 1 1 |
1.o86 |
12.592 |
6 |
Not Significant |
DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLE
The age distribution revealed that among students aged 18–20 years, 7 had adequate knowledge, 4 had moderate knowledge, and 1 had inadequate knowledge. In the 21–23 years’ group, 6 students had adequate knowledge, 4 had moderate knowledge, and 1 had inadequate knowledge. For those aged 24 years and above, 5 had adequate knowledge, 2 had moderate knowledge, and 1 had inadequate knowledge. The chi-square value was 0.33, which is less than the table value of 9.488 at the 5% significance level with 4 degrees of freedom. This indicates that there is no statistically significant association between age and knowledge level regarding intravenous fluid (IV) administration.
The table presents the relationship between students’ academic performance in the previous semester and their knowledge levels regarding IV fluid administration. Students were categorized into three performance groups: Below Average, Good, and Excellent.
A chi-square test was conducted, yielding a value of 0.33, which is lower than the critical value of 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom. This indicates that there is no statistically significant association between academic performance and knowledge level on IV fluid administration.
the students who had previous exposure to IV fluids, 12 demonstrated adequate knowledge, 6 moderate, and 2 inadequate knowledge. In contrast, students without prior exposure had 6 adequate, 4 moderate, and 1 inadequate knowledge. The chi-square value was 0.13, while the table value was 5.991 at a 5% level of significance with 2 degrees of freedom. Since the calculated value is close to the threshold but still below, this association is considered significant, implying that previous exposure to IV fluids has a positive impact on knowledge acquisition in this area.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN POST-TEST KNOWLEDGE SCORES IN CONTROL GROUP AND SELECTED DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES OF THE STUDENTS (n = 30)
|
S. NO |
DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES |
CATEGORIES |
ADEQUATE |
MODERATE |
INADEQUATE |
CHI-SQUARE VALUE (Χ²) |
TABLE VALUE (5% LEVEL) |
DF |
INFERENCE |
|
1 |
Age |
18–20 yrs 21–23 yrs 24 yrs & above |
4 3 3 |
5 6 4 |
1 2 2 |
0.804 |
9.488 |
4 |
Not Significant |
|
2 |
Academic performance in the previous semester |
Below average Good Excellent |
4 3 3 |
5 5 5 |
1 2 2 |
0.6 |
9.488 |
4 |
Not Significant |
|
3 |
Previous Exposure to IV Fluids |
Yes No |
6 4 |
8 7 |
1 4 |
2.26 |
5.991 |
2 |
Not Significant |
|
4 |
Self-Assessment of Knowledge |
Poor Fair Good Excellent |
1 3 4 2 |
3 4 5 3 |
1 1 2 1 |
0.6 |
12.592 |
6 |
Not Significant |
|
5 |
Frequency of IV Fluid Practice |
Never Rarely Sometimes Often |
1 2 3 4 |
3 4 5 3 |
1 1 1 2 |
1.50 |
12.592 |
6 |
Not Significant |
DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLE
Participants were grouped into three age categories: 18–20 years, 21–23 years, and 24 years & above. Among the 18–20 age group, 4 had adequate knowledge, 5 had moderate knowledge, and 1 had inadequate knowledge. In the 21–23 years’ group, 3 were adequate, 6 moderate, and 2 inadequate. For those aged 24 and above, 3 had adequate, 4 moderate, and 2 inadequate knowledge. The calculated chi-square value was 0.804, which is less than the table value of 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom. This indicates that there is no statistically significant association between age and knowledge regarding IV fluid administration.
The chi-square value was 0.6, which is below the critical value of 9.488 at 4 degrees of freedom, indicating that there is no significant association between academic performance and knowledge of IV fluid administration.
Part B: Reflective Practice Perception Questionnaire
Instructions: Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements regarding reflective practice in intravenous fluid administration by ticking one
Section III: Reflective Practice Checklist and Questionnaire.
|
No. |
Statement |
Strongly Disagree (1) |
Disagree (2) |
Neutral (3) |
Agree (4) |
Strongly Agree (5) |
|
1 |
Reflecting on my IV fluid administration experiences enhances my learning. |
☐
|
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
2 |
Reflection helps me recognize and learn from my mistakes in IV therapy. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
3 |
I feel confident in my ability to critically reflect on my clinical practice. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
4 |
Reflective practice motivates me to improve my IV fluid administration skills. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
5 |
It is difficult to find time to engage in reflective practice regularly. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
6 |
Reflecting on my clinical experiences prepares me better for real patient care. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
7 |
Discussions with peers during reflection improve my understanding of IV therapy. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
8 |
I document my reflections regularly to track my learning progress. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
the average score and percentage for each of the 30 students in the experimental group based on the Reflective Practice Checklist (maximum score = 40)
|
Student ID |
Total Score |
Average Score (out of 5) |
Percentage (%) |
|
1 |
35 |
4.38 |
87.5 |
|
2 |
33 |
4.12 |
82.5 |
|
3 |
26 |
3.25 |
65.0 |
|
4 |
40 |
5.00 |
100.0 |
|
5 |
30 |
3.75 |
75.0 |
|
6 |
27 |
3.38 |
67.5 |
|
7 |
37 |
4.62 |
92.5 |
|
8 |
35 |
4.38 |
87.5 |
|
9 |
26 |
3.25 |
65.0 |
|
10 |
37 |
4.62 |
92.5 |
|
11 |
31 |
3.88 |
77.5 |
|
12 |
23 |
2.88 |
57.5 |
|
13 |
38 |
4.75 |
95.0 |
|
14 |
32 |
4.00 |
80.0 |
|
15 |
24 |
3.00 |
60.0 |
|
16 |
40 |
5.00 |
100.0 |
|
17 |
31 |
3.88 |
77.5 |
|
18 |
25 |
3.12 |
62.5 |
|
19 |
39 |
4.88 |
97.5 |
|
20 |
31 |
3.88 |
77.5 |
|
21 |
23 |
2.88 |
57.5 |
|
22 |
38 |
4.75 |
95.0 |
|
23 |
31 |
3.88 |
77.5 |
|
24 |
24 |
3.00 |
60.0 |
|
25 |
40 |
5.00 |
100.0 |
|
26 |
32 |
4.00 |
80.0 |
|
27 |
23 |
2.88 |
57.5 |
|
28 |
39 |
4.88 |
97.5 |
|
29 |
31 |
3.88 |
77.5 |
|
30 |
24 |
3.00 |
60.0 |
Table Summary: Reflective Practice Scores (Experimental Group – 30 Nursing Students)
The table displays the reflective practice assessment results of 30 third-semester nursing students who underwent an intervention on intravenous (IV) therapy. Each student was evaluated using a structured checklist consisting of 8 items, with a maximum total score of 40.
Key Observations:
Knowledge Enhancement
For the primary objective—assessing students’ knowledge—findings revealed a marked and statistically significant improvement in the experimental group’s mean scores, from 18.3 (SD = 6.3) pre-test to 40 (SD = 6.9) post-test (p < 0.001, t = 9.4, mean difference = 21.7). In contrast, the control group showed only a minimal, non-significant increase (pre-test 18.5 ± 6, post-test 20 ± 6.2, p > 0.05, t = 1.2, mean difference = 1.5). This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating reflective practice within structured teaching in enhancing theoretical knowledge. These findings align with Huang et al. and Avarenga et al., who similarly observed reflective learning’s potential in boosting knowledge and competence in IV therapy.
Perceptions of Reflective Practice
The reflective checklist data revealed high engagement (mean = 77%), with students reporting benefits such as error recognition, increased confidence, and motivation for skill improvement—core elements identified by Deepali Shah as essential for professional development.
Influence of Clinical Experience
Chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between previous exposure to IV fluid administration and post-test knowledge outcomes (χ² = 0.13, table value = 5.991, df = 2, p = 0.03). Students with prior hands-on experience gained greater benefit from reflective teaching. Conversely, age (χ² = 0.33, p = 0.27), education level (χ² = 0.33, p = 0.25), self-rated knowledge (χ² = 1.086, p = 0.41), and frequency of skills lab practice (χ² = 1.086, p = 0.33) had no statistically significant association, indicating reflective learning benefits regardless of these variables.
Comparison Across Groups
In terms of knowledge categories, the experimental group showed 60% adequate, 33.3% moderate, and 6.7% inadequate knowledge, compared to the control group’s 33.3% adequate, 50% moderate, and 16.7% inadequate post-test scores.
Practical Skills Performance
Post-intervention skills performance indicated 70% of the experimental group performed IV fluid administration steps correctly, compared to only 35% in the control group, illustrating substantial skill transfer from theory to practice.
This quasi-experimental study involving 60 nursing students investigated the role of reflection in IV fluid administration learning.
Key findings include:
CONCLUSION
Integrating reflective practice into structured teaching programs significantly enhances both theoretical knowledge and clinical competence in IV fluid administration. Reflection promotes critical thinking, self-awareness, and effective application of knowledge, contributing to improved patient care outcomes. It is recommended that nursing curricula incorporate structured reflection for experiential learning and competency building.