A patient, on the United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list to be considered for a liver transplant, has been on the list for 7 months. Which of the following might the patient have to do while waiting for this organ?

Question

1. undergo complete reevaluation for the organ immediately
2. limit activity and exercise
3. ensure that malignancy and serology screenings are current
4. restrict protein and carbohydrate intake

Answer 1

3

Rationale: Once the decision is made to accept a patient as a suitable transplant candidate, the patient's name and vital information are entered into the computer bank at the United Network for Organ Sharing. Periodic reevaluation of the transplant candidate's health status is recommended. It is also recommended that transplant candidates have a yearly malignancy and serology screening. Undergoing a complete reevaluation for the organ would be more applicable if the patient were waiting for a heart or lung transplant since the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation recommends reevaluation using specific criteria every 6 months and yearly as a part of organ waitlist management. There is nothing to indicate that the patient should limit activity or exercise. It would not be wise for the patient to limit protein or carbohydrate intake.