A patient with a liver transplant has been receiving cyclosporine [Sandimmune] for 6 months. The nurse reviews this patient's laboratory results and notes a sharp increase in the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)and serum creatinine. Vital signs are normal,and the patient reports no discomfort. What does the nurse suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevation of BUN and serum creatinine is an indication of nephrotoxicity,which occurs in 75% of patients taking cyclosporine. Hepatotoxicity would cause elevations in liver enzymes,not the BUN and creatinine. Infection would be associated with fever. Organ rejection of a renal transplant would cause elevation in the BUN and creatinine but also would cause tenderness at the graft site and fever.

A Patient with a Liver Transplant Has Been Receiving Cyclosporine