10 minute topic Lupus

Question 1

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Answer 1

Autoimmune
chronic inflammation and destruction of tissue
no cure
exacerbations and remissions

Question 2

SLE triggers

Answer 2

toxins
medications
bacteria
viruses

Question 3

Discord SLE

Answer 3

primarily affects the skin

characterized by an erythematosus butterfly rash over the nose and cheeks and is generally self-limiting

Question 4

Systemic SLE

Answer 4

affects the connective tissues of multiple organ systems and can lead to major organ failure

Question 5

SLE risk factors

Answer 5

women 15-40

African american, asian or native american

Question 6

SLE s/sx

Answer 6

fatigue
alopecia
anorexia
fever (in exacerbation)
joint pain/swelling
anemia
Raynaud's phenomenon
lymphadenopathy

Question 7

Raynaud’s phenomenon

Answer 7

arterial vasospasm in the hands or feet, typically in response to cold or stress

Question 8

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer

Answer 8

there is a positive ANA titer in 90% of clients who have lupus

Question 9

Anti-DNA test

Answer 9

positive in SLE but not specific for SLE dx

Question 10

Extractable nuclear antibodies (ENAs)

Answer 10

positive with SLE

Question 11

Serum complement (C3, C4)

Answer 11

decreased in SLE

diagnostic for SLE because they decrease due to depletion secondary to an exaggerated inflammatory response

Question 12

BUN and creatinine

Answer 12

increased with kidney involvement with SLE

Question 13

Urinalysis

Answer 13

will be positive for protein and RBC’s

Question 14

CBC

Answer 14

may show pancytopenia with SLE

Question 15

Medications for SLE

Answer 15

NSAIDS
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants
Antimalarial

Question 16

Immunosuppresants ex

Answer 16

Methotrexate and azathioprine (Imuran)

Monitor for toxic effects (bone marrow suppression, increased liver enzymes)

Question 17

Antimalarial ex

Answer 17

hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
used for suppression of synovitis, fever, and fatigue
Encourage frequent eye examinations

Question 18

Education for SLE PT’s

Answer 18

Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen
Use steroid creams for rash
Avoid crowds and infection

Question 19

Lupus nephritis

Answer 19

SLE complication
renal failure
may be caused by corticosteroid use

Question 20

Pericarditis/myocarditis

Answer 20

SLE complication

inflammation of the heart/surrounding sac