Nursing care protocols for the kidney/islet cell transplant recipient

Statistically 3 out of 4 patients with diabetes mellitus die from the secondary effects of the disease. Approximately 30%-40% of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have diabetes. Simultaneous kidney/islet cell transplantation offers an innovative approach to the treatment of these chronic and disabling illnesses. Nursing care priorities are directed at maintaining central venous access and normoglycemia. Prescribed nursing care protocols require specialized postoperative assessments, interventions, and intensive patient education. These protocols have been developed in order to foster islet cell graft revascularization and ultimately to eliminate exogenous insulin requirements and regression of secondary complications of diabetes.