13. Kidney Surgery

what is the biggest postoperative risk after kidney surgery?

hemorrhage and shock

• kidneys are very vascular

what signs can point to hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock after kidney surgery?

• hypotension

• tachycardia

• tachypnea

• pallor

• shortness of breath

• low oxygen level

• blood at the surgical site

what other complications can happen after kidney surgery?

• abdominal distention (from air during prodecure)

• paralytic ileus

• infection, thromboembolism

what do kidney transplant patients need for life?

lifelong immunosuppression therapy

• do that the body never attacks the transplanted kidney

why do kidney transplant patients need lifelong immunosuppression?

so the immune system does not attack the transplanted kidney

what findings can suggest kidney transplant rejection?

• tea-colored urine

• oliguria, anuria

• pain

• increased BUN, creatinine

• azotemia

• rapid return of disease symptoms

when can kidney transplant rejection happen?

at any time

what complications should be monitored after kidney transplant?

• bleeding, rejection, infection,

• pneumonia, DVT

what teaching is important after kidney transplant or kidney surgery?

• drainage system care

• signs and symptoms to report

• how to prevent complications

• follow-up care

• teach fluid intake instructions