Patient Education and Psychosocial Care in Transplantation Flashcards

Which topic is most critical to include in discharge education for a new kidney transplant recipient?

Answer: Signs and symptoms of rejection and when to seek immediate care

Teaching rejection warning signs (decreased urine output, fever, graft tenderness, rising creatinine) and when to seek care is the most critical discharge education topic.

How should a transplant nurse counsel a patient about sun exposure after transplantation?

Answer: Transplant recipients have significantly increased risk of skin cancer and must use high SPF sunscreen and protective clothing daily

Immunosuppression dramatically increases skin cancer risk (up to 100-fold for squamous cell carcinoma), requiring lifelong sun protection and regular dermatologic follow-up.

A transplant recipient asks if they can get a flu shot. What is the most accurate nursing response?

Answer: Inactivated influenza vaccines are recommended annually; live vaccines are contraindicated

Transplant recipients should receive inactivated vaccines (not live), including annual influenza vaccine, because live vaccines can cause disease in immunocompromised patients.

What is the most common reason for graft loss in long-term kidney transplant recipients related to patient behavior?

Answer: Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medications

Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medications is the leading preventable cause of late graft loss, often resulting in chronic rejection.

A transplant patient says they cannot afford their medications. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Answer: Connect the patient with social work, patient assistance programs, and transplant coordinators to address financial barriers

Financial barriers to medication access are a major adherence threat — the transplant team's social worker and patient assistance programs must be engaged immediately.

How long after transplantation should female recipients wait before attempting pregnancy?

Answer: At least 1–2 years, when graft function is stable and immunosuppression is minimized

Transplant guidelines recommend waiting 1–2 years post-transplant until graft function is stable and immunosuppression is at maintenance levels before attempting pregnancy.