Final answer:
Patients with a kidney transplant on immunosuppressive drugs should be closely monitored for infections, particularly CMV, which can lead to serious complications. Acute kidney injury is also a concern after transplant surgeries. Long-term risks include graft rejection, malignancies, and cardiovascular disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who has received a kidney transplant and is on immunosuppressive drugs should be closely monitored for several potential complications. Of particular concern in the immediate post-transplant period is the risk of infection due to a combination of immunosuppression and potential reactivation of prior infections, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is particularly relevant as it can cause serious complications including liver damage, transplant rejection, and even death. Additional complications to monitor include acute kidney injury, which can occur after surgeries including transplants, and carries significant mortality.
Longer term, the risks extend to include graft rejection due to immune system attack against the transplanted organ, increased susceptibility to malignancies due to the impaired immune surveillance, and the development of cardiovascular disease which can be exacerbated by chronic kidney disease and the transplant process itself.