Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Heart transplant rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes donor HLA antigens as foreign. Hyperacute rejection (minutes-hours) involves preformed antibodies. Acute cellular rejection (weeks-months) is T-cell mediated with lymphocytic infiltration of the myocardium. Antibody-mediated rejection involves donor-specific antibodies causing complement activation and endothelial damage. Connect Heart Transplant Rejection to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.