Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCTN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The classification of a donor as PHS high risk is significant because it helps to identify potential health risks associated with organ transplantation. One critical factor in determining high risk is sexual behavior, particularly in relation to the transmission of communicable diseases.

Engaging in male-to-male intercourse within the last 12 months is recognized as a significant risk factor for the transmission of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. As a result, this behavior places a donor in the PHS high risk category according to guidelines established by the Public Health Service. This classification prompts further evaluation and risk mitigation strategies when considering organ donation.

Other options, such as age above 60 years, travel to endemic regions, and a history of hypertension, do not directly align with the specific criteria used to categorize a donor under PHS high risk. Age and certain health conditions might be relevant in overall health assessments and organ suitability, but they do not carry the same immediate implications regarding infectious disease transmission as the sexual behavior outlined in the correct choice.