Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient who has alopecia and a face rash informs the nurse, "I do not like how I look! I can't be seen out in public." What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for the patient?

• Activity intolerance related to fatigue and inactivity.

• Impaired skin integrity related to itching and skin sloughing.

• Social isolation related to embarrassment about the effects of SLE.

• Impaired social interaction related to lack of social skills.

The nurse knows that the teaching about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to a patient who has just been diagnosed has been successful when the patient says:

• "I should expect to have a low fever all the time with this disease."

• "I should try to ignore my symptoms as much as possible and have a positive outlook."

• "I can expect a temporary improvement in my symptoms if I become pregnant."

• "I need to restrict my exposure to sunlight to prevent an acute onset of symptoms."

Which of the following is one of the initial characteristic signs of systemic lupus erythematous?

• High red blood cell count

• Rash on the face across the bridge of the nose

• Weight Gain

• Hypothermia

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was recently admitted to the hospital.  The nurse looks over the provider's orders. Which medication(s) would the nurse anticipate being prescribed?

• Antibiotic

• Antipsychotic

• Corticosteroid

• Laxative

A nurse is collecting data on a client who complains of generalized weakness, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, joint pain at various locations, and photosensitivity. Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is suspected. The nurse further checks for which of the following that is also indicative of the presence of SLE?

• Loss of taste

• Ascites

• Hearing loss

• Butterfly rash on cheeks and bridge of nose

 

Which patient population has the greatest chance of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

• Asian male

• African-American male

• African-American female

• Hispanic Female

You are the primary nurse monitoring a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Which of the following signs and symptoms best fits this diagnosis? Select all that apply

• Fever

• Decreased INR

• Joint Pain

• Butterfly Rash

A patient was recently diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What would indicate to the nurse that the patient requires further teaching about the disease?

• "This summer, I'll do my best to avoid the sun."

• "I recognize that I will be susceptible to infections."

• "I can't wait to get surgery to fix my disease."

• "I am aware that I most likely have a high risk of developing arthritis."

Your patient was recently diagnosed with SLE and asks you how the disease process will affect their life. The best response to this patient would be:

• Long term corticosteroid use will cure this disease

• There is a surgical procedure that can prevent the progression of SLE

• Since SLE rarely causes death, you can anticipate on living a normal life

• It is challenging to determine disease progression with SLE

What are some teaching strategies that the nurse can discuss with the patient with SLE?

• Avoid all social interactions

• Increase dietary intake of fats and proteins

• Use of non-pharmalogical methods of treating pain in lieu of analgeics

• Methods for avoiding sun exposure