Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who has been on a long-term regimen of methylprednisolone. Which precautions should the nurse take to prevent complications of the treatment?

Assess the patient's mental status- The patient is taking methylprednisolone, which can cause psychosis in high doses. Therefore the nurse should carefully monitor the patient's mental status and report any changes, such as confusion, to the health care provider. Monitor the patient's blood glucose levels- A patient taking methylprednisolone can have a long-term complication of hyperglycemia, so the nurse should carefully monitor this patient's blood glucose levels.

A nurse is caring for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who reports having mild pain and swelling in the hands. Which medication would the nurse anticipate the health care provider to prescribe?

Celecoxib Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug that is prescribed to treat arthritic pain related to SLE.

Which finding in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) would indicate possible kidney damage?

Protein in the urine Proteinuria is a common finding in patients with SLE and indicates possible kidney damage.

A female patient comes to the emergency department with a butterfly rash and tests positive for antinuclear antibodies. Which additional tests would the nurse anticipate to be ordered by the health care provider to confirm a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Urinalysis- Urinalysis can confirm whether there is protein or any other indicator of kidney disease in the urine, which is a positive indicator of SLE. Serum complement test- A serum complement test will confirm serositis, which is a positive indicator of SLE.

The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient denies a family history of this disease. Which information in the patient's history identifies a likely cause of the onset of symptoms?

Use of prescribed procainamide At least 40 prescription medications, including procainamide, can lead to the development of SLE.

The nurse has established a goal of verbalizing an understanding of activities to prevent exacerbations with a female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which statement made by the patient would support this goal?

"I plan to do meditation daily and take time for myself." The patient's statement that she plans to meditate and set aside time for herself every day indicates that she understands the impact of stress on the disease process.

A patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is taking methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?

"You need to take a folic acid supplement." Methotrexate depletes folic acid. Therefore supplementation is required.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) asks the nurse what happens during an exacerbation of SLE. Which response from the nurse is appropriate?

"Your body is making antibodies that attack the proteins in your DNA." SLE is an autoimmune disease. An individual with SLE develops antibodies that attack the proteins found in his or her DNA.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mentions to the nurse that she is trying to conceive. Which questions should the nurse ask to address potential pregnancy complications?

"Are you currently taking methotrexate?" Methotrexate is a medication used to manage SLE symptoms that can cause birth defects or miscarriages. The patient should know about the side effects of methotrexate if she is trying to become pregnant and should speak to the health care provider about steps that can be taken. "Are you currently taking methotrexate?" Methotrexate is a medication used to manage SLE symptoms that can cause birth defects or miscarriages. The patient should know about the side effects of methotrexate if she is trying to become pregnant and should speak to the health care provider about steps that can be taken. "Have you and your partner started pregnancy counseling?" The nurse should ask the patient about pregnancy counseling because counseling will help the patient identify potential complications that may affect pregnancy.