A patient who has received a heart transplant is taking cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant. What self-care intervention is most important to teach to the patient?
A) Administer pain medications and be aware of respiratory depression.
B) Provide frequent rest periods to build endurance.
C) If the patient misses a dose of medication take two doses.
D) Frequent handwashing is needed to protect from infection.
Ans: D
Feedback: The use of cyclosporine to protect the patient from rejection of the heart places the patient in an immunosuppressive state. The nurse should instruct on frequent handwashing and protection from infection. Rest will minimally assist in protection from infection. The patient should never double the dose of medications. The use of pain medications will have no affect on the prevention of infection.
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