Question

An ESRD patient receiving hemodialysis is considering asking a relative to donate a kidney for transplantation. In assisting the patient to make a decision about treatment, the nurse informs the patient that:

A. successful transplantation usually provides a better quality of life than that offered by dialysis
B. if rejection of the transplanted kidney occurs, no further treatment for the renal failure is available
C. the immunosuppressive therapy that is required following transplantation causes fatal malignancies in many patients
D. hemodialysis replaces the normal functioning of the kidneys and patients do not have to live with the continual fear of rejection

Answer 1

Successful kidney transplantation usually provides a better quality of life than dialysis. Rejection of the transplanted kidney does not mean that no further treatment for renal failure is available. Immunosuppressive therapy does not usually lead to fatal malignancies in many patients. Hemodialysis does not replace the normal functioning of the kidneys completely.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse informs the patient that successful kidney transplantation usually provides a better quality of life than dialysis (option A). Dialysis is a life-saving treatment, but it can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, transplantation may not be an option for all patients, and some may need to continue with dialysis.

Rejection of the transplanted kidney is a possibility, but it does not mean that no further treatment for renal failure is available (option B). There are other treatment options, including another transplant or returning to dialysis.

Immunosuppressive therapy following transplantation carries the risk of complications, but fatal malignancies in many patients are not a common outcome (option C). Regular follow-up and monitoring can help detect and manage any potential complications.

While hemodialysis is a lifesaving treatment, it does not replace the normal functioning of the kidneys completely, and patients may still have concerns about potential rejection (option D).