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Cardiac transplantation: a comprehensive nursing perspective. Part 1
1Cardiac Transplant Program, University of Miami School of Medicine-Jackson Memorial Medical Center, FL 33101.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Cardiac transplantation nursing requires specialized knowledge of denervated heart function, immunosuppression, and patient support. Nurses play a vital role in managing recipients and expanding the donor organ pool.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Nursing Science
Background:
- Orthotopic cardiac transplantation is the primary treatment for end-stage heart disease.
- Increasing numbers of transplant centers and relaxed criteria expand patient populations.
- Growing patient numbers necessitate increased nursing expertise in cardiac transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the comprehensive nursing role in cardiac transplantation.
- To highlight the unique challenges and responsibilities of transplant nurses.
- To emphasize the need for nurses to contribute to organ donor pool expansion.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices and challenges in cardiac transplantation nursing.
- Analysis of nursing care requirements across the transplant continuum (pre-evaluation to outpatient).
- Identification of key nursing responsibilities in managing immunosuppression and denervated heart function.
Main Results:
- Nursing care encompasses pre-transplant support, surgical/postoperative management, and long-term outpatient follow-up.
- Nurses must understand denervated heart physiology and manage complex immunosuppression.
- Nurses are crucial in donor identification, organ preservation, and family support.
Conclusions:
- Specialized nursing knowledge is essential for optimal cardiac transplant recipient care.
- Nurses are integral to addressing the critical shortage of donor organs.
- Enhanced nursing involvement can improve patient outcomes and increase organ availability.