An instrument to identify stressors in renal transplant recipients.

The purpose of this study was to create a reliable, valid instrument to identify the major stressors experienced by new transplant recipients and to establish baseline data. Sixty transplant recipients (85% of sample) responded to a mailed questionnaire. From a list of 44 possible stressors the subjects self-reported the possibility of rejection as the major stressor. Recommendations include using the instrument (KTRSS) in clinical practice to plan individualized care based on an assessment of the client's perception of stressors following transplantation and educating clients about the stressors common to the transplant recipient.