Which visitor instruction is appropriate for a transplant patient receiving immunosuppressants?

Which visitor instruction is appropriate for a transplant patient receiving immunosuppressants?

• A. Fresh flowers should not be brought into the room.
• B. Visitors should be unrestricted.
• C. Fresh fruit should be brought.
• D. Visitors should share equipment.

Answer: (A)

Immunosuppressants make the patient much more susceptible to infections, so the environment should minimize any source of pathogens. Fresh flowers are avoided because the water, vase, and soil can harbor mold and bacteria that could cause serious infections in someone with a weakened immune system. Unrestricted visitors, fresh fruit, or sharing equipment all raise exposure to contagious agents or contaminants, which is not appropriate for an immunosuppressed transplant patient.

Immunosuppressants make the patient much more susceptible to infections, so the environment should minimize any source of pathogens. Fresh flowers are avoided because the water, vase, and soil can harbor mold and bacteria that could cause serious infections in someone with a weakened immune system. Unrestricted visitors, fresh fruit, or sharing equipment all raise exposure to contagious agents or contaminants, which is not appropriate for an immunosuppressed transplant patient.