Author Question: The client who had a heart transplant is ready for discharge from the hospital. The nurse instructs ... (Read 31 times)

codyclark · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The client who had a heart transplant is ready for discharge from the hospital. The nurse instructs the client about self-care at home and determines that learning has occurred when the client states:

1. I should begin jogging in a few days.
2. I need to protect myself against infection.
3. I can take my medication only when needed.
4. I am cured, and will have no more heart problems.

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for the client who will be returning to the unit after a cardiac transplant. A priority of care for this client would be:

1. Monitoring for bleeding.
2. Frequent oral care.
3. Keeping the skin clean and dry.
4. Limiting visitation.

joshraies · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. The heart transplant client will be encouraged to exercise, but activity is gradually increased, and jogging would be added later in the exercise plan.
2. Clients who have had any kind of transplant are taking immunosuppressive medications to reduce the risk of rejection. The client is more susceptible to infections, and should be instructed on methods of self-protection.
3. The medications the client is taking are on a strict timetable, and the client should be instructed to follow directions exactly.
4. The heart transplant client could continue to have the vascular problems that caused the heart to fail. These conditions continue to exist after transplant.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1

1. One of the immediate needs of a postoperative transplant client is monitoring for bleeding, which includes monitoring blood pressure and cardiac output.
2. Oral care is important to prevent infection, but monitoring for bleeding is the priority.
3. Bleeding is one of the top priorities. When the client is reasonably stable, the nurse addresses skin care.
4. The nurse does not limit visitation unless the visitor shows signs of infection.