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Abstract Understanding the arterial blood gases (ABGs) analysis report, its interpretation and applying this in the practice represent essential skill for critical care nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the critical care nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding arterial blood gases interpretation at a University Hospital, Kafr- Elsheikh Governorate. A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. A sample of convenience including all male and female critical care nurses who are working in the selected settings and willing to participate in this study. This study was conducted at different Critical Care Units affiliated to a University Hospital-Kafr-Elsheikh Governorate. Three tools were developed and tested: a) Nurses’ Personal and Background Data Sheet, b) Nurses’ knowledge assessment questionnaire about ABG interpretation, and c) Critical Care Nurses’ Practice regarding ABGs interpretation Observational checklist. Majority of the studied sample (94.6% & 100%) had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice levels with a means of (9.45+2.94 & 30.5+8.7 respectively), (29.7%) of them had satisfactory practice level about Double check of arterial blood gases result and had unsatisfactory practice level about analysis, recording results, and reporting ABG results, follow-up of medical care, double check of ABG with a percentages of (100% , 100%, 94.6% , 83.8% & 70.3% respectively). Finally, knowledge level was not found to differ significantly in relation to gender (t=1.142, at P {u2264} 0.261). Moreover, gender did not play a role in relation to practice (t= 0.528 at P{u2264} 0.601). This study concluded that, critical care nurses in the current study had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice scores regarding ABGs interpretation. This study recommended that, updating knowledge and practice of ICU nurses through carrying out continuing educational programs about arterial blood gases interpretation; strict observation of nurses’ practice when caring for patients with acid - base imbalances, providing feedback to maintain practices; and replication of this study on larger probability sample selected from different geographical areas |