title: Unique considerations for the pediatric heart transplant recipient: the role of the school nurse.
abstract: Heart transplantation has become an accepted therapy for terminal heart conditions in children. With the increasing incidence of pediatric heart transplantation, school nurses may find cardiac recipients in their schools. The article discusses physical and psychological considerations for managing these students. Among the physical considerations are work capacity, appearance, organ rejection, and infection. The psychological considerations are emotions, cognitive functioning, quality of life, and behavioral concerns. The school nurse is a key resource in informing staff about the unique concerns of pediatric transplant recipients and in ensuring they are integrated into the school setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Duitsman
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Suddaby
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Masterson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010379:Peer Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D012573:School Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support