A nurse should assess which parameter to monitor the effectiveness of cyclosporine (Sandimmune) therapy?

Monitoring urine volume is critical when assessing the effectiveness of cyclosporine therapy because this medication is an immunosuppressant often used in transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. Cyclosporine can affect kidney function, and one common side effect is nephrotoxicity. By observing changes in urine volume, healthcare providers can gauge kidney function and detect potential adverse effects early on.

If urine output decreases, it may indicate deterioration in kidney function or possible toxicity, warranting further evaluation and potential intervention. Effective management of kidney function is essential for the overall success of the therapy, particularly since renal health is a priority in patients receiving cyclosporine.

Other parameters such as weight changes, blood pressure, and temperature can provide valuable information regarding a patient's overall status but are not as directly related to the specific monitoring of cyclosporine's effects on kidney function. Weight changes could reflect fluid retention or loss; blood pressure could indicate various physiological responses but are less definitive regarding cyclosporine’s impact. Temperature can help detect infection, which is also a risk due to immunosuppression from the drug, but it is not a direct measure of therapy effectiveness. Thus, urine volume serves as a more precise indicator of how well the body is handling