Care before and after lung transplant and quality of life research.
Lung transplantation is a growing surgical option for patients with end-stage lung and pulmonary vascular diseases. After completing an extensive evaluation and meeting the selection criteria, patients are listed for either single or bilateral-sequential lung transplantation. Immediate postoperative management requires detailed attention to fluid management, monitoring for infection, reperfusion injury, pulmonary hygiene, and pain management. Length of stay depends on the patient's condition before transplant and postoperative complications. Discharge from the hospital can be as early as 7 days after transplantation. Newer immunosuppressive medications offer more options for treating and preventing rejection. Advanced practice nurses, such as coordinators, case managers, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists, are uniquely positioned to play key roles in coordinating the care of transplant patients across settings and both before and after the transplant procedure. The perioperative needs of lung transplant patients and the impact of this complex procedure on the recipients' and family's quality of life merit further investigation by clinicians and researchers.
Lanuza
D M
DM
Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Medical Center, Building 105, Room 2859, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
McCabe
M A
MA
D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D018579:Patient Selection; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011788:Quality of Life
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents