International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Enhancing Cranial Nerve Assessment Skills: Effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Program Among BSc Nursing Students in Maharashtra

Author(s) Saranya Chandran R, Donna Lim, Lekshmi CL, Arpita Dan
Country India
Abstract Introduction
Neurological assessment, particularly cranial nerve examination, is an essential skill in nursing practice for early identification of neurological deficits. However, nursing students, especially in the early semesters, often struggle to apply theoretical knowledge effectively in clinical settings. This gap can lead to missed signs and delayed interventions, negatively impacting patient outcomes. Structured teaching programmes that integrate theory with practical sessions have shown promise in improving both knowledge and clinical skills. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured teaching intervention on cranial nerve assessment among 2nd semester BSc Nursing students in Maharashtra.

Methods
The study employed a pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design involving 40 BSc Nursing students from a selected nursing college in Maharashtra. A structured teaching programme comprising theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations was implemented. Baseline and post-intervention data on students’ knowledge and practical skills related to cranial nerve assessment were collected using structured tools. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results
Pre-test findings revealed that 47.5% of students had average knowledge, with a mean score of 12.68/25 (50.7%), and 75% demonstrated poor practical skills, with a mean score of 57.95/175 (33.11%). Post-test results showed significant improvements: 82.5% scored outstanding in knowledge with a mean of 21.83/25 (87.3%), and 95% achieved outstanding scores in practice, with a mean of 162.93/175 (93.1%). The paired t-test yielded t = 15.652 (p < 0.001) for knowledge and t = 56.323 (p < 0.001) for practice, confirming the intervention’s effectiveness.

Conclusion
The structured teaching programme was highly effective in improving the knowledge and practical skills of BSc Nursing students in cranial nerve assessment. The statistically significant results indicate that such programmes should be integrated into early nursing curricula to promote clinical competence and enhance the quality of patient care in neurological nursing settings.
Keywords Neurological assessment, Cranial nerve examination, Structured teaching programme, BSc nursing students
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-29
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.52074
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9vpzp

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