Patient care after heart transplantation - a case study Cover Image

Opieka nad pacjentem po zabiegu transplantacji serca – studium przypadku
Patient care after heart transplantation - a case study

Author(s): Bożena Majchrowicz, Sabina Sochacka
Subject(s): Health and medicine and law
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: Transplantation; Heart; Patient; Nurse

Summary/Abstract: Heart transplantation is a recognized and effective method of treating end-stage heart failure. Complicated heart transplant surgery carries a high surgical risk as well as complications that are dangerous to life and health. Transplantation is a life-saving opportunity for patients who have run out of alternative treatments. According to Poltransplant data, transplantation was performed in Poland in the last year 2021 200 hearts. Patients with heart transplants face many physical and psychological problems every day. The aim of the study: to diagnose and discuss nursing problems occurring in a patient 3.5 years after heart transplantation, to determine the impact of the organ transplantation on the functioning of the individual in everyday life, and to present a care plan and its results, based on the applied nursing activities. Material and methods: The study uses the research method - an individual case study in which research techniques such as interview, observation, analysis of medical records and measurement of vital signs were used. The selected methods made it possible to develop an individual nursing care plan for the research subject - a 50-year-old patient, three and a half years after the transplant. Results: After the interview, observation and analysis of medical records and as a result of the measurements made, the patient was diagnosed with nursing problems, including such as: increased susceptibility to infections that may pose a serious threat to the life and health of the patient caused by the weakening of the immune system by immunosuppression, anxiety and fear related to the risk of rejection of a transplanted organ and mood instability resulting from uncertain health situation and the effects of immunosuppressive drugs, physical limitations related to with previous operations. Conclusions: Despite the passage of time, the patient after heart transplantation still feels the fear of a sudden deterioration of his health, the occurrence of side effects of the implemented treatment, and to the greatest extent his organism rejects the transplanted organ. Educating the patient, caring for it and keeping track of his health condition makes him feel more confident and at ease. The quality of life of the patient after transplantation can be significantly improved thanks to discipline and properly conducted self-care and self-care.

  • Issue Year: XIV/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 21-26
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Polish