Question

The nurse is preparing a client for discharge from the hospital following a liver transplant. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in this client's discharge teaching plan?

Answer 1

The most important instruction for a nurse to include in the discharge plan for a liver transplant patient is to adhere to the prescribed medication regimen, especially taking immunosuppressant drugs as directed to prevent organ rejection. Alongside this, recognizing signs of infection or rejection, maintaining hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments are crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important instruction for a nurse to include in a client's discharge teaching plan after a liver transplant is to emphasize the importance of taking all prescribed medications as directed, especially immunosuppressant drugs. These medications are crucial to prevent organ rejection, which is a significant risk after a transplant. The nurse should ensure the client understands the schedule, dosage, potential side effects, and the critical nature of adherence to the medication regimen.

Additionally, it's important for the client to understand the signs of infection or rejection, which should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Maintaining proper hygiene, monitoring for changes in health, and scheduling and attending follow-up appointments with the transplant team are also vital components of post-discharge care. It is essential that the patient understands the importance of ongoing health monitoring, which may include regular blood tests, imaging studies, and attending support group meetings tailored for transplant recipients, to facilitate a successful recovery and to safeguard the new organ.