Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about immunosuppressive medications with a client who had kidney transplant surgery. Which of the following adverse effects of these medications should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) Increased risk of infection
B) Weight loss
C) Hypertension
D) Elevated blood glucose levels

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that immunosuppressive medications post-kidney transplant can lead to an increased risk of infection and elevated blood glucose levels as adverse effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client who has had kidney transplant surgery about the adverse effects of immunosuppressive medications, the nurse should include that these medications can lead to an increased risk of infection. Immunosuppressive drugs are necessary to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, but they suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. These medications, like cyclosporine, act by reducing the activity of the immune system's cells such as T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Another common side effect is elevated blood glucose levels, which can occur as these drugs can interfere with insulin production or function, leading to blood sugar imbalances. While hypertension can be a side effect of some medications, weight loss is not typically associated with immunosuppressive therapy.