Article ACC26SU1

Clinical Immunology for Heart Transplant Nurses: Medication Decision-Making

Author(s): Bernice Coleman, PhD, ACNP-BC, Ariz Amoroso Guzman, PhD, RN, Ashley A. Vo, PharmD

Contact Hours 1.00

CERP A 1.00

Pharmacology Hours 0.25

Expires Jun 01, 2029

Topics: Medication Management, Patient Safety, Decision-making

Population: Adult

Role: APRN, Staff

Start Activity
Fees
Member: Free
NonMember: $10.00
Get CE

Added to Collection

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

This activity provides ICU nurses and advanced practice clinicians with a clear, practical understanding of transplant immunology to support safe, consistent care of adult heart‑transplant recipients. Learners explore how alloimmune activation drives acute cellular and antibody‑mediated rejection and connect these mechanisms to bedside assessment, medication monitoring, and early recognition of clinical deterioration. Content includes an overview of immunosuppressive therapies, therapeutic targets, and considerations that influence medication response, toxicity, and patient outcomes.

Objectives

  • Translate transplant immunology into actionable knowledge for ICU nurses and APRNs managing heart transplant patients.
  • Explain mechanisms of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection and their impact on timing, risk, and monitoring.
  • Link immunologic risk factors to surveillance and therapy to improve early detection and patient outcomes

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.