Postoperative care of the lung transplant recipient.

This article reviews the nursing care of the patient who receives a lung transplant, starting with preparation for admission to the ICU. Issues of oxygenation, airway clearance, hemodynamic and fluid assessment, infection control, incisional assessment, and pain are addressed throughout the hospitalization. Emotional support, discharge and medication teaching, and changes in lifestyle are all important aspects of the rehabilitation phase before discharge.