Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Fever and pain at the transplant site are typical signs of kidney transplant rejection. When the body recognizes the transplanted kidney as foreign, the immune response can lead to inflammation. This inflammatory response often causes systemic symptoms, including fever, which is a common indication of the body fighting against something it perceives as a threat. Pain at the transplant site can also result from the body's immune reaction to the graft, indicating possible rejection. Monitoring these signs is crucial for early detection and intervention in transplant rejection, which can help preserve the function of the transplanted kidney.

The other options do not accurately reflect typical signs of transplant rejection. Elevated blood pressure and increased appetite may be observed in patients for various reasons but are not direct indicators of rejection. Weight loss and increased urine output are generally not associated with rejection, as recipients often experience decreased urine output instead during rejection episodes. Decreased heart rate and shortness of breath are non-specific symptoms that can arise from a range of conditions and are not typical indicators of kidney transplant rejection.