The role of a nurse in a procedure of kidney transplantation in a paediatric graft recipient

Kidney transplantation is the optimal method of renal replacement therapy in children with an end stage renal failure. Successful transplantation improves quality of life and gives an opportunity for the best development of a young person. Kidney transplantation in children with low body weight is very difficult. Surgical team should be experienced and very precised. Medical staff taking care of a small patient should closely monitor his status and carefully observe him to prevent and early detect possible complications. The proper supervision of a child with transplanted kidney determines successful outcome of the whole therapy. Patients care may be divided into three stages: • early postoperative period, • hospitalization in transplant clinic, • outpatient care. The paper presents the role of a nurse in a procedure of kidney transplantation in a paediatric graft recipients: 1. The most important aspects of pre- and postoperative nursing care are defined. 2. Patient/caregiver education concerning self-control of general health condition and kidney graft function, principles of maintenance immunosuppression and activities decreasing the risk of complications caused by immunosuppression are described.

Keywords: Kidney Transplantation