This study attempted to review literatures regarding to nursing problems and management of kidney transplantation recipients.
Renal transplantation has recently become recognized as a superior method of treatment and rehabilitation of the chronic renal failure patients who is receiving hemodialysis or pentoneal dialysis. Renal transplantation was increased since March 1969 in Korea when the first operation was performed.
Immunosuppressive agents & Steroids are used to prevent rejection of the transplantation and to keep the normal function of transplanted kidney. So transplant patients need to comply therapeutic regimens, perform regular follow-up care and accomplish self care activities. Transplant patients were inclined to have physical, mental and psychosocial problems because of their poor adjustment. They have to control their health problems throughout their lifetime too.
Review of literatures on body image of kidney transplantation recipients revealed that those patients have side effects of the therapeutic drugs such as immunosuppressive agents and steroid. These side effects are weight gain, puffy face, acne and so on. Especially steroids which are used to prevent rejection of transplantation, lead to muscle weakness and limitation of activity of daily living. If these physical problems continue for a long time, it is possible for those patients to have uncertainty of the future, threaten to keep their job, and some changes of function and relationship within family and social group. Consequently some of them couldn´t comply therapeutic regiments and give up their life. Therefore, nurses should help the kidney transplantation recipients to improve physical function, physical ability and satisfaction about their own physical appearance. In order to admit and accept their matters, the nurse also should help to support the patients social adjustment and emotional satisfaction.
Review of literatures on the stress of kidney transplantation recipients revealed that those patients felt anxiety and fear a lot because of rejection and complications related to immunosupressive drug. Although they were initially satisfied with their life after kidney transplantation, most of them have possibility to lost their self-confidence and experience loneliness, depressions and despair. Most of those patients also felt guilty for not being able to accomplish their appropriate roles in the family. They also had financial difficulties and social restrictions.
Review of literatures on the relationship between stress and the quality of life revealed a significant negative correlation. Especially younger ones regretted of losing hope and ambition, so gradually felt lowered quality of life.
In order to establish and implement an effective and comprehensive nursing interventions for transplant patients, nurses should understand their psychosocial problems such as body image, activity of daily living, stress and quality of life, compliance with follow-up care after kidney transplantations as well as physical problems.
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