POSTOPERATIVE NURSING CARE FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The postoperative period for patients who have undergone organ transplants is a critical time that requires continuous monitoring, prevention of complications, and skilled care from the healthcare team. In this context, the role of nursing stands out in maintaining graft function, clinical surveillance, and the care of patients and their families. This study aimed to present the main nursing care practices during the postoperative period for transplant patients and to analyze their contribution to the prevention of complications and graft preservation. This is a qualitative literature review conducted through the analysis of scientific articles published between 2012 and 2025 in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords “Nursing,” “Organ Transplantation,” and “Postoperative.” The results show that the nursing role is multifaceted, involving hemodynamic monitoring, infection prevention, pain management, management of immunosuppressive therapy, and health education for patients and their families. Furthermore, humanized communication and emotional support contribute to greater treatment adherence and a reduction in complications. It is concluded that nursing plays an essential role in patient safety and the effectiveness of post-transplant care, being indispensable for maintaining quality of life and for the success of the procedure.