Question

A patient who had a kidney transplant eight years ago is receiving the immunosuppressants tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), and prednisone. Which assessment data will be of most concern to the nurse?

A. Skin is thin and fragile.
B. Blood pressure is 150/92.
C. A nontender axillary lump.
D. Blood glucose is 144 mg/dL.

Answer 1

Of the provided assessment data, a nontender axillary lump would be of most concern as it could indicate a malignancy or serious infection, requiring immediate attention for an immunosuppressed patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in question is receiving immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and prednisone following a kidney transplant. Of the assessment data provided, the most concern for the nurse should be Option C: A nontender axillary lump. As an immunosuppressed individual, the patient is at higher risk for infections and cancers; a new lump could represent a possible malignancy or a lymph node responding to infection, which requires immediate attention. While Options A (skin is thin and fragile) and D (blood glucose is 144 mg/dL) can be related to the side effects of the steroids and immunosuppressive therapy, and Option B (blood pressure is 150/92) is hypertensive, these conditions generally do not require the same level of urgency as a possible indication of cancer or serious infection.