Particular points of note:
a) History
- Cause of renal failure
- Dialysis:
- type, when commenced, time of last dialysis, normal target or dry weight
- access and any related problems
- Volume of urine output + history of past/present, urinary tract problems
- Infections -any recent urinary, CAPD peritonitis/exit site/access related
- Other operations
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Previous renal transplants, timing and cause of failure
- Recipient blood group, tissue typing and virology (CMV, EBV, HIV, Hep B & C) must be recorded in the notes.
- Donor details should also be included in recipient clerking – age, cause of death, blood group, tissue typing, virology and ischaemic time. The transplant coordinator will provide this information.
NOTE: Donor confidentiality must be maintained at all times
b) Examination – a full physical examination of the patient must be performed and should include:
- assessment of fluid status:
- supine and erect blood pressure recordings
- JVP
- peripheries
- any oedema
- weight vs ‘dry weight’ if on dialysis
- peripheral pulses
- abdominal scars/hernias
- presence of failed transplant / previous transplant nephrectomy