Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

Postoperative nursing care for kidney transplant patients requires close monitoring for early rejection signs, including oliguria, edema, fever, high blood pressure, weight gain, and tenderness near the transplant site.

Regularly review blood chemistry reports, mainly white blood cell and platelet counts, to assess immunosuppressive effects and check routine urine culture reports to detect bacteriuria.

Inspect the surgical site for infection, encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises, and promote early mobilization to prevent complications like atelectasis.

Monitor fluid balance by assessing urine output and central venous pressure hourly. Based on urine volume and electrolyte levels, adjust intravenous fluids as prescribed.

Regularly check hemodialysis access sites for patency and infection, as temporary dialysis may be needed until kidney function stabilizes.

To protect the immunosuppressed patient, nurses should also follow strict infection control measures, including hand hygiene and limiting exposure to people with active infections.