SLE Review

Which client is at the highest risk for systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)? 1. An Asian male 2. A white female 3. An African-American male 4. An African-American female

1. An Asian male 2. A white female 3. An African-American male 4. An African-American female Answer: 4 Rationale: SLE affects females more commonly than males. It is more common in African-American females than in white females.

1. A 26-year-old woman has been diagnosed with early systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involving her joints. In teaching the patient about the disease, the nurse includes the information that SLE is a(n): A. Hereditary disorder of women but usually does not show clinical symptoms unless a woman becomes pregnant. B. Autoimmune disease of women in which antibodies are formed that destroy all nucleated cells in the body. C. Disorder of immune function, but it is extremely variable in its course, and there is no way to predict its progression. D. Disease that causes production of antibodies that bind with cellular estrogen receptors, causing an inflammatory response.

1. Answer: C Rationale: SLE has an unpredictable course, even with appropriate treatment. Women are more at risk for SLE, but it is not confined exclusively to women. Clinical symptoms may worsen during pregnancy but are not confined to pregnancy or the perinatal period. All nucleated cells are not destroyed by the antinuclear antibodies. The inflammation in SLE is not caused by antibody binding to cellular estrogen receptors.

11. Which client is at the highest risk for systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)? A. An Asian male B. A white female C. An African-American male D. An African-American female

11. Answer: D An African-American female

6. A 19-year-old patient who is taking azathioprine (Imuran) for systemic lupus erythematosus has a check-up before leaving home for college. The health care provider writes all of these orders. Which one should the nurse question? A. Naproxen (Aleve) 200 mg BID B. Give measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization C. Draw anti-DNA titer D. Famotidine (Pepcid) 20 mg daily

6. Answer: B Rationale: Live virus vaccines, such as rubella, are contraindicated in a patient taking immunosuppressive drugs. The other orders are appropriate for the patient.

7. A client is suspected of having systemic lupus erythematous. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following is one of the initial characteristic sign of systemic lupus erythematous? A. Weight gain B. Subnormal temperature C. Elevated red blood cell count D. Rash on the face across the bridge of the nose

7. Answer: D Rationale: Skin lesions or rash on the face across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks is an initial characteristic sign of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fever and weight loss may also occur. Anemia is most likely to occur later in SLE.

8. The nurse is assigned to care for a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse plans care knowing that this disorder is: A. A local rash that occurs as a result of allergy B. A disease caused by overexposure to sunlight C. An inflammatory disease of collagen contained in connective tissue D. A disease caused by the continuous release of histamine in the body

8. Answer: C An inflammatory disease of collagen contained in connective tissue Test-Taking Strategy: Use the process of elimination. Eliminate option 1 because SLE is a systemic disorder, not a local one. Next eliminate option 2 because of its similarity to option 1. From the remaining options, select option 3 because of its systemic characteristic. If you are unfamiliar with this disorder, review its characteristics.

9. The nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse reviews the health care provider's prescriptions. Which of the following medications would the nurse expect to be prescribed? A. Antibiotic B. Antidiarrheal C. Corticosteroid D. Opioid analgesic

9. Answer: C Rationale: Treatment of SLE is based on the systems involved and symptoms. Treatment normally consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. The incorrect options are not standard components of medication therapy for this disorder.

The pathophysiology of systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) is characterized by a. destruction of nucleic acids and other self-proteins by autoantibodies b. overproduction of collagen that disrupts the functioning of internal organs c. formation of abnormal IgG that attaches to cellular antigens, activating complement d. increased activity of T-suppressor cells with B-cell hypoactivity, resulting in an immunodeficiency

A. destruction of nucleic acids and other self-proteins by autoantibodies

Teaching that the nurse will plan for the patient with SLE includes a. ways to avoid exposure to sunlight b. increasing dietary protein and carbohydrate intake c. the necessity of genetic counseling before planning a family d. the use of no pharmacologic pain interventions instead of analgesics

A. ways to avoid exposure to sunlight

The health care provider has prescribed the following collaborative interventions for a patient who is taking azathioprine (Imuran) for systemic lupus erythematosus. Which order will the nurse question? a. Draw anti-DNA blood titer. b. Administer varicella vaccine. c. Naproxen (Aleve) 200 mg BID. d. Famotidine (Pepcid) 20 mg daily.

ANS: B Live virus vaccines, such as varicella, are contraindicated in a patient taking immunosuppressive drugs. The other orders are appropriate for the patient

Which result for a 30-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider? a. Decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) b. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) c. Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) d. Positive lupus erythematosus cell prep

ANS: B The elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate possible lupus nephritis and a need for a change in therapy to avoid further renal damage. The positive lupus erythematosus (LE) cell prep and ANA would be expected in a patient with SLE. A drop in CRP shows an improvement in the inflammatory process.

A new clinic patient with joint swelling and pain is being tested for systemic lupus erythematosus. Which test will provide the most specific findings for the nurse to review? a. Rheumatoid factor (RF) b. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) c. Anti-Smith antibody (Anti-Sm) d. Lupus erythematosus (LE) cell prep

ANS: C The anti-Sm is antibody found almost exclusively in SLE. The other blood tests are also used in screening but are not as specific to SLE

The nurse is assisting in planning care for a client with a diagnosis of immune deficiency. The nurse would incorporate which of the following as a priority in the plan of care? 1. Protecting the client from infection 2. Providing emotional support to decrease fear 3. Encouraging discussion about lifestyle changes 4. Identifying factors that decreased the immune function

Answer: 1 Rationale: The client with immune deficiency has inadequate or absent immune bodies and is at risk for infection. The priority nursing intervention would be to protect the client from infection. Options 2, 3, and 4 may be components of care but are not the priority.

The nurse provides home care instructions to a client with systemic lupus erythematosus and tells the client about methods to manage fatigue. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instructions? 1. "I should take hot baths because they are relaxing." 2. "I should sit whenever possible to conserve my energy." 3. "I should avoid long periods of rest because it causes joint stiffness." 4. "I should do some exercises, such as walking, when I am not fatigued."

Answer: 1 Rationale: To help reduce fatigue in the client with systemic lupus erythematosus, the nurse should instruct the client to sit whenever possible, avoid hot baths (because they exacerbate fatigue), schedule moderate low-impact exercises when not fatigued, and maintain a balanced diet. The client is instructed to avoid long periods of rest because it promotes joint stiffness.

A client is diagnosed with an immune deficiency. The nurse focuses on which of the following as the highest priority when providing care to this client? 1. Encouraging discussion about emotional impact of the disorder 2. Identifying historical factors that placed the client at risk 3. Providing emotional support to decrease fear 4. Protecting the client from infection

Answer: 4 Rationale: The client with immune deficiency has inadequate immune bodies and is at risk for infection. The priority nursing intervention would be to protect the client from infection. The other options are also part of the plan of care but are not the highest priority.

During an acute exacerbation, a patient with SLE is treated with corticosteroids. The nurse would expect the steroids to begin to be tapered when serum laboratory results indicate a. increased RBCs b. decreased ESR c. decreased anti-DNA d. increased complement

C. decreased anti-DNA

A patient with OA uses NSAIDs to decrease pain and inflammation. The nurse teaches the patient that common side effects of these drugs include a. allergic reactions, fever, and oral lesions b. fluid retention, hypertension, and bruising c. skin rashes, gastric irritation, and headache d. prolonged bleeding time, blood dyscrasias, and hepatic damage

C. skin rashes, gastric irritation, and headacche

18. Teaching that the nurse will plan for the patient with SLE includes: A. Ways to avoid exposure to sunlight B. Increasing dietary protein and carbohydrate intake C. The necessity of genetic counseling before planning a family D. The use of no pharmacologic pain interventions instead of analgesics

18. Answer: A Ways to avoid exposure to sunlight

10. A nurse is collecting data on a client who complains of fatigue, weakness, malaise, muscle pain, joint pain at multiple sites, anorexia, 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? A. Emboli B. Ascites C. Two hemoglobin S genes D. Butterfly rash on cheeks and bridge of nose

10. Answer: D Rationale: SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple body systems. A butterfly rash on the cheeks and on the bridge of the nose is a classic sign of SLE. Option 3 is found in sickle cell anemia. Options 1 and 2 may be found in many conditions but are not associated with SLE.

12. The nurse monitors a patient to have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of this diagnosis? A. Increased T-cell count B. Scaley, inflamed rash on shoulders, neck, and face C. Swelling of the extremities D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

12. Answer: B Scaley, inflamed rash on shoulders, neck, and face

13. In teaching a patient with SLE about the disorder, the nurse knows that the pathophysiology of SLE includes: A. Circulating immune complexes formed from IgG autoantibodies reacting with IgG B. An autoimmune T-cell reaction that results in destruction of the deep dermal skin layer C. Immunologic dysfunction leading to chronic inflammation in the cartilage and muscles D. The production of a variety of autoantibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus

13. Answer: D Rationale: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of many autoantibodies against nucleic acids (e.g., single-and double-stranded DNA), erythrocytes, coagulation proteins, lymphocytes, platelets, and many other self-proteins. Autoimmune reactions characteristically are directed against constituents of the cell nucleus (e.g., antinuclear antibodies [ANAs]), particularly DNA. Circulating immune complexes containing antibody against DNA are deposited in the basement membranes of capillaries in the kidneys, heart, skin, brain, and joints. Complement is activated, and inflammation occurs. The overaggressive antibody response is also related to activation of B and T cells. The specific manifestations of SLE depend on which cell types or organs are involved. SLE is a type III hypersensitivity response.

14. A female patient's complex symptomatology over the past year has culminated in a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the patient's following statements demonstrates the need for further teaching about the disease? A. "I'll try my best to stay out of the sun this summer." B. "I know that I probably have a high chance of getting arthritis." C. "I'm hoping that surgery will be an option for me in the future." D. "I understand that I'm going to be vulnerable to getting infections."

14. Answer: C "I'm hoping that surgery will be an option for me in the future." Rationale: SLE carries an increased risk of infection, sun damage, and arthritis. Surgery is not a key treatment modality for SLE.

15. The pathophysiology of systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) is characterized by: A. Destruction of nucleic acids and other self-proteins by autoantibodies B. Overproduction of collagen that disrupts the functioning of internal organs C. Formation of abnormal IgG that attaches to cellular antigens, activating complement D. Increased activity of T-suppressor cells with B-cell hypoactivity, resulting in an immunodeficiency

15. Answer: A Destruction of nucleic acids and other self-proteins by autoantibodies

16. A patient with newly diagnosed SLE asks the nurse how the disease will affect her life. The best response by the nurse is: A. You can plan to have a near-normal life since SLE rarely causes death B. It is difficult to tell because to disease is so variable in its severity and progression C. Life span is shortened somewhat in people with SLE, but the disease can be controlled with long-term use of corticosteroids D. Most people with SLE have alternating periods of remissions and exacerbations with rapid progression to permanent organ damage

16. Answer: B It is difficult to tell because to disease is so variable in its severity and progression

17. During an acute exacerbation, a patient with SLE is treated with corticosteroids. The nurse would expect the steroids to begin to be tapered when serum laboratory results indicate: A. Increased RBCs B. Decreased ESR C. Decreased anti-DNA D. Increased complement

17. Answer: C Decreased anti-DNA

2. A patient with an acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is hospitalized with incapacitating fatigue, acute hand and wrist pain, and proteinuria. The health care provider prescribes prednisone (Deltasone) 40 mg twice daily. Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care? A. Institute seizure precautions. B. Reorient to time and place PRN. C. Monitor intake and output. D. Place on cardiac monitor.

2. Answer: C Rationale: Lupus nephritis is a common complication of SLE, and when the patient is taking corticosteroids, it is especially important to monitor renal function. There is no indication that the patient is experiencing any nervous system or cardiac problems with the SLE.

3. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who has a facial rash and alopecia tells the nurse, "I hate the way I look! I never go anyplace except here to the health clinic." An appropriate nursing diagnosis for the patient is: A. Activity intolerance related to fatigue and inactivity. B. Impaired skin integrity related to itching and skin sloughing. C. Social isolation related to embarrassment about the effects of SLE. D. Impaired social interaction related to lack of social skills.

3. Answer: C Rationale: The patient's statement about not going anyplace because of hating the way he or she looks supports the diagnosis of social isolation because of embarrassment about the effects of the SLE. Activity intolerance is a possible problem for patients with SLE, but the information about this patient does not support this as a diagnosis. The rash with SLE is nonpruritic. There is no evidence of lack of social skills for this patient.

4. A patient with polyarthralgia with joint swelling and pain is being evaluated for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse knows that the serum test result that is the most specific for SLE is the presence of: A. Rheumatoid factor. B. Anti-Smith antibody (Anti-Sm). C. Antinuclear antibody (ANA). D. Lupus erythematosus (LE) cell prep.

4. Answer: B Rationale: The anti-Sm is antibody found almost exclusively in SLE. The other blood tests are also used in screening but are not as specific to SLE.

5. Following instruction for a patient with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the nurse determines that teaching about the disease has been effective when the patient says: A. "I should expect to have a low fever all the time with this disease." B. "I need to restrict my exposure to sunlight to prevent an acute onset of symptoms." C. "I should try to ignore my symptoms as much as possible and have a positive outlook." D. "I can expect a temporary improvement in my symptoms if I become pregnant."

5. Answer: B Rationale: Sun exposure is associated with SLE exacerbation, and patients should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and stay out of the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Low-grade fever may occur with an exacerbation but should not be expected all the time. A positive attitude may decrease the incidence of SLE exacerbations, but patients are taught to self-monitor for symptoms that might indicate changes in the disease process. Symptoms may worsen during pregnancy and especially during the postpartum period.

Which statement by a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) indicates that the patient has understood the nurse's teaching about the condition? a. "I will exercise even if I am tired." b. "I will use sunscreen when I am outside." c. "I should take birth control pills to keep from getting pregnant." d. "I should avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs."

ANS: B Severe skin reactions can occur in patients with SLE who are exposed to the sun. Patients should avoid fatigue by balancing exercise with rest periods as needed. Oral contraceptives can exacerbate lupus. Aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are used to treat the musculoskeletal manifestations of SLE.

A nurse is collecting data on a client who complains of fatigue, weakness, malaise, muscle pain, joint pain at multiple sites, anorexia, 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? 1. Emboli 2. Ascites 3. Two hemoglobin S genes 4. Butterfly rash on cheeks and bridge of nose

Answer: 4 Rationale: SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple body systems. A butterfly rash on the cheeks and on the bridge of the nose is a classic sign of SLE. Option 3 is found in sickle cell anemia. Options 1 and 2 may be found in many conditions but are not associated with SLE.

A 25-year-old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who has a facial rash and alopecia tells the nurse, "I never leave my house because I hate the way I look." An appropriate nursing diagnosis for the patient is a. activity intolerance related to fatigue and inactivity. b. impaired social interaction related to lack of social skills. c. impaired skin integrity related to itching and skin sloughing. d. social isolation related to embarrassment about the effects of SLE.

ANS: D The patient's statement about not going anywhere because of hating the way he or she looks supports the diagnosis of social isolation because of embarrassment about the effects of the SLE. Activity intolerance is a possible problem for patients with SLE, but the information about this patient does not support this as a diagnosis. The rash with SLE is nonpruritic. There is no evidence of lack of social skills for this patient.

A complete blood cell count is performed on a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse would suspect that which of the following findings will be reported from this blood test? 1. Increased red blood cell count 2. Decrease of all cell types 3. Increased white blood cell count 4. Increased neutrophils

Answer: 2 Rationale: In the client with SLE, a complete blood count commonly shows pancytopenia, a decrease of all cell types, probably caused by a direct attack of all blood cells or bone marrow by immune complexes. The other options are incorrect.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse plans care knowing that this disorder is: 1. A local rash that occurs as a result of allergy 2. A disease caused by overexposure to sunlight 3. An inflammatory disease of collagen contained in connective tissue 4. A disease caused by the continuous release of histamine in the body

Answer: 3 Rationale: SLE is an inflammatory disease of collagen contained in connective tissue. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not associated with this disease.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse reviews the health care provider's prescriptions. Which of the following medications would the nurse expect to be prescribed? 1. Antibiotic 2. Antidiarrheal 3. Corticosteroid 4. Opioid analgesic

Answer: 3 Rationale: Treatment of SLE is based on the systems involved and symptoms. Treatment normally consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. The incorrect options are not standard components of medication therapy for this disorder.

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a young female client who is suspected of having systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following would the nurse expect to note documented in the record that is related to this diagnosis? 1. Presence of two hemoglobin S genes in the blood cell report 2. Ascites noted in the abdomen 3. Recurrent emboli 4. Butterfly rash on cheeks and bridge of the nose

Answer: 4 Rationale: SLE primarily occurs in females 10 to 35 years of age and is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple body systems. A butterfly rash on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose is a characteristic sign of SLE. Option 1 is found in sickle cell anemia. Options 2 and 3 are found in many conditions but are not usually noted in SLE.

A client is suspected of having systemic lupus erythematous. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that which of the following is one of the initial characteristic sign of systemic lupus erythematous? 1. Weight gain 2. Subnormal temperature 3. Elevated red blood cell count 4. Rash on the face across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks

Answer: 4 Rationale: Skin lesions or rash on the face across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks is an initial characteristic sign of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fever and weight loss may also occur. Anemia is most likely to occur later in SLE.

41. When the nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider? a. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine b. Positive lupus erythematosus cell prep c. Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) d. Decreased C-reactive protein (CRP)

Answer: A Rationale: The elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate possible lupus nephritis and a need for a change in therapy to avoid further renal damage. The positive LE cell prep and ANA would be expected in a patient with SLE. A drop in CRP shows an improvement in the inflammatory process. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1718 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

30. A 19-year-old patient who is taking azathioprine (Imuran) for systemic lupus erythematosus has a check-up before leaving home for college. The health care provider writes all of these orders. Which one should the nurse question? a. Naproxen (Aleve) 200 mg BID b. Give measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization c. Draw anti-DNA titer d. Famotidine (Pepcid) 20 mg daily

Answer: B Rationale: Live virus vaccines, such as rubella, are contraindicated in a patient taking immunosuppressive drugs. The other orders are appropriate for the patient. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1718 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

29. Following instruction for a patient with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the nurse determines that teaching about the disease has been effective when the patient says, a. "I should expect to have a low fever all the time with this disease." b. "I need to restrict my exposure to sunlight to prevent an acute onset of symptoms." c. "I should try to ignore my symptoms as much as possible and have a positive outlook." d. "I can expect a temporary improvement in my symptoms if I become pregnant."

Answer: B Rationale: Sun exposure is associated with SLE exacerbation, and patients should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and stay out of the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Low-grade fever may occur with an exacerbation but should not be expected all the time. A positive attitude may decrease the incidence of SLE exacerbations, but patients are taught to self-monitor for symptoms that might indicate changes in the disease process. Symptoms may worsen during pregnancy and especially during the postpartum period. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1717, 1720 Nursing Process: Evaluation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

28. A patient with polyarthralgia with joint swelling and pain is being evaluated for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The nurse knows that the serum test result that is the most specific for SLE is the presence of a. rheumatoid factor. b. anti-Smith antibody (Anti-Sm). c. antinuclear antibody (ANA). d. lupus erythematosus (LE) cell prep.

Answer: B Rationale: The anti-Sm is antibody found almost exclusively in SLE. The other blood tests are also used in screening but are not as specific to SLE. Cognitive Level: Comprehension Text Reference: pp. 1718-1719 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

26. A patient with an acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is hospitalized with incapacitating fatigue, acute hand and wrist pain, and proteinuria. The health care provider prescribes prednisone (Deltasone) 40 mg twice daily. Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care? a. Institute seizure precautions. b. Reorient to time and place PRN. c. Monitor intake and output. d. Place on cardiac monitor.

Answer: C Rationale: Lupus nephritis is a common complication of SLE, and when the patient is taking corticosteroids, it is especially important to monitor renal function. There is no indication that the patient is experiencing any nervous system or cardiac problems with the SLE. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1718, 1720 Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

25. A 26-year-old woman has been diagnosed with early systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involving her joints. In teaching the patient about the disease, the nurse includes the information that SLE is a(n) a. hereditary disorder of women but usually does not show clinical symptoms unless a woman becomes pregnant. b. autoimmune disease of women in which antibodies are formed that destroy all nucleated cells in the body. c. disorder of immune function, but it is extremely variable in its course, and there is no way to predict its progression. d. disease that causes production of antibodies that bind with cellular estrogen receptors, causing an inflammatory response.

Answer: C Rationale: SLE has an unpredictable course, even with appropriate treatment. Women are more at risk for SLE, but it is not confined exclusively to women. Clinical symptoms may worsen during pregnancy but are not confined to pregnancy or the perinatal period. All nucleated cells are not destroyed by the antinuclear antibodies. The inflammation in SLE is not caused by antibody binding to cellular estrogen receptors. Cognitive Level: Comprehension Text Reference: pp. 1717, 1719 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

A patient with newly diagnosed SLE asks the nurse how the disease will affect her life. The best response by the nurse is a. You can plan to have a near-normal life since SLE rarely causes death b. it is difficult to tell because to disease is so variable in its severity and progression c. life span is shortened somewhat in people with SLE, but the disease can be controlled with long-term use of corticosteroids d. most people with SLE have alternating periods of remissions and exacerbations with rapid progression to permanent organ damage

B. it is difficult to tell because the disease is so variable in its severity and progression

A female patient's complex symptomatology over the past year has culminated in a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the patient's following statements demonstrates the need for further teaching about the disease? A. "I'll try my best to stay out of the sun this summer." B. "I know that I probably have a high chance of getting arthritis." C. "I'm hoping that surgery will be an option for me in the future." D. "I understand that I'm going to be vulnerable to getting infections."

Correct answer: C. "I'm hoping that surgery will be an option for me in the future." Rationale: SLE carries an increased risk of infection, sun damage, and arthritis. Surgery is not a key treatment modality for SLE.

In teaching a patient with SLE about the disorder, the nurse knows that the pathophysiology of SLE includes a. circulating immune complexes formed from IgG autoantibodies reacting with IgG b. an autoimmune T-cell reaction that results in destruction of the deep dermal skin layer c. immunologic dysfunction leading to chronic inflammation in the cartilage and muscles d. the production of a variety of autoantibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus

Correct answer: d Rationale: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of many autoantibodies against nucleic acids (e.g., single-and double-stranded DNA), erythrocytes, coagulation proteins, lymphocytes, platelets, and many other self-proteins. Autoimmune reactions characteristically are directed against constituents of the cell nucleus (e.g., antinuclear antibodies [ANAs]), particularly DNA. Circulating immune complexes containing antibody against DNA are deposited in the basement membranes of capillaries in the kidneys, heart, skin, brain, and joints. Complement is activated, and inflammation occurs. The overaggressive antibody response is also related to activation of B and T cells. The specific manifestations of SLE depend on which cell types or organs are involved. SLE is a type III hypersensitivity response.