Which nursing action is essential to reduce infection risk in a patient receiving immunosuppressants?

• A. Monitor immunosuppressant drug levels regularly.
• B. Avoid hydration.
• C. Increase salt intake.
• D. Delay vaccines until after transplantation.

Answer: (A)

Regularly checking immunosuppressant drug levels is essential because these medications lower the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Keeping the level within the therapeutic range helps prevent excessive immunosuppression that would make infections more likely, while still providing enough suppression to protect the transplanted organ. When levels are monitored, doses can be adjusted promptly to maintain this balance, reducing infection risk and catching toxicity (like bone marrow suppression) early, which itself can raise infection risk. This targeted approach directly supports infection prevention by avoiding both over- and under-immunosuppression.

Other options don’t address the infection risk related to immunosuppression. Hydration, salt intake, and delaying vaccines don’t directly control the level of immune suppression.