Simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation: patient issues and nursing interventions

Nursing care across the service delivery continuum is essential for patients undergoing simultaneous kidney pancreas transplantation. The self-management of complicated treatment choices and care regimens requires education and support, which are the domain of transplant nursing coordinators. Even successful transplantation is associated with complications in the first 6 months. Continuous posttransplant nursing interventions to monitor patients, teach and reinforce self-care, and support adjustment is crucial to patient well-being. This article describes nursing strategies used at one transplant center to address these patient needs.