Final answer:
Kidney transplant rejection should be suspected in the presence of fever, weight gain due to fluid retention, and diminished urine output like oliguria, as well as potential elevated serum creatinine levels. These symptoms can signal a declining function of the transplanted kidney that requires immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Suspecting kidney transplant rejection is critical in the postoperative care of patients. The symptoms associated with kidney transplant rejection are often similar to those seen during kidney infections or failure, which can include systemic signs such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as back pain and hematuria (blood in the urine).
Additionally, signs specific to transplant rejection often revolve around the declining function of the transplanted kidney, such as weight gain due to fluid retention, a reduction in urine output known as oliguria, and elevated serum creatinine levels. While pain at the incision site and general malaise might also be present, these are less specific and can be related to the surgery itself rather than rejection. Severe cases can progress to acute renal failure, which intensifies the urgency for medical assessment and potential treatment adjustments.