Post-kidney transplant rejection and infection complications

The care of a patient after kidney transplant is multifactorial and complex, often involving other organ systems. The clinical picture can frequently be complicated with symptoms that may be misleading, and hence, challenging to assess. The nephrology nurse caring for the recipient of a transplant should be able to assess the entire clinical situation, rather than focus only on renal function. When caring for recipients of transplants, nephrology nurses need to use their extensive knowledge base and employ critical thinking skills. Although all members of the multidisciplinary team are important for success, the patient remains the focal point of the team. Post-transplant management will be successful when patients actively participate in their care. Patient teaching plays a critical role in this success, and it starts when a transplant is anticipated and continues as long as the grafted kidney is functioning.