Introduction: Lung transplantation is nowadays known as the final treatment option for patients that suffer from progressive or end-stage lung diseases. The selection of potential candidates for lung transplantation is carried out according to criteria and in a way that predicts a higher probability of survival and an improvement in the quality of life of this patient.What is needed for such a complex medical treatment to be successful is a multi-disciplinary approach to a preoperative preparation as well as to postoperative care. Purpose: The diploma thesis aims at reviewing and presenting the scientific literature and insights related to the nursing care of patients undergoing lung transplantation. It specifically focuses on the role of a nurse during the activities of the preoperative preparation and postoperative care. Methods: The descriptive research method was used in order to analyze the addressed topic. The articles and scientific studies related to lung transplantation were retrieved from various databases (Medline, Science Direct, Cinahl, PubMed) and online bibliographic systems (COBISS, DKul). Keyword searching in the English as well as in the Slovene language was the main approach used for information retrieval. Results: The role of a nurse in preoperative preparations as well as in the activities of postoperative care is crucial for the treatment to be successful. The nursing care procedures must be adjusted to individuals’ needs. It is also important for nurses to be informed about patients’ diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, and characteristics of specific organ transplantation. Discussion and conclusion: Although lung transplantation represents an effective treatment option that can improve patint’s quality of life, a particularly high mortality and morbidity rate is still noticeable among lung transplants receivers. Various components of treatment and a variety of nursing procedures have to be planned and undertaken in order to ensure further medical improvements and positive outcome. It is also important to plan and perform an effective patient assessment that includes assessment of a patient’s general appearance, physical exams and psychological assessment, too. Although the quality of transplantation procedures has improved over time, there are still issues related to early and late complications, waiting lists and reduction in numbers of appropriate and willing donors.
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