During the first 24 hours after kidney transplantation, what is the priority nursing assessment?

During the first 24 hours after kidney transplantation, what is the priority nursing assessment?

• A. Vital signs.
• B. Urine output hourly using an urimeter.
• C. Pain level assessment.
• D. Temperature checks.

Answer: (B)

Immediately after kidney transplantation, the most important thing to assess is how well the new kidney is functioning, and the best early indicator is urine production. Measuring hourly urine output with an urimeter provides an accurate, continuous read on graft perfusion and function. A drop or absence of urine can signal problems such as compromised blood flow, obstruction, or delayed graft function, and prompts urgent evaluation and intervention. While vital signs, pain, and temperature are important for overall recovery, they don’t offer the same direct, timely insight into the transplanted kidney’s status in the first 24 hours, making hourly urine output the priority.

Immediately after kidney transplantation, the most important thing to assess is how well the new kidney is functioning, and the best early indicator is urine production. Measuring hourly urine output with an urimeter provides an accurate, continuous read on graft perfusion and function. A drop or absence of urine can signal problems such as compromised blood flow, obstruction, or delayed graft function, and prompts urgent evaluation and intervention. While vital signs, pain, and temperature are important for overall recovery, they don’t offer the same direct, timely insight into the transplanted kidney’s status in the first 24 hours, making hourly urine output the priority.