Question

A 52-year-old patient with End-Stage Kidney Disease related to alcoholism needs a kidney transplant. The patient’s identical twin sister, who is in good health, has agreed to donate one of her kidneys. Both sisters were admitted to the same hospital for the procedure.

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

• What is the RNs role for the kidney recipient in the immediate post-operative period?
• What is the RNs role for the kidney donor in the immediate post-operative period?
• Are there ethical considerations associated with this kidney donation? Explain.
• Should the sister be financially compensated for her donation? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Role of nurse while caring for patient with kidney transplantation (Recipient)

1) Carefully monitor intake output and weight daily

2) Auscultate kidney regularly for bruits, which might indicate stenosis.

3) Monitor temperature to indicate infection

4) Monitor urine output carefully

5) Monitoring for signs of rejection of graft

For donor

1) monitor proper functioning of one kidney by adquate fluid volume monitoring

2) vital signs for temperature

3) Pain management and psychological support

Ethical considerations

Informed consent

Voluntary consent- Focus on donors level of understanding, voluntary choice

Donation not sale- Financial incentives partially motivate donation

Independent donor advocate team- Determines which potential living donor will be accepted.

Financial compensation

yes, the sister should be financially compensated as apart from kidney she has lost her wages, transportation

Also this will encourage more living donors.