autoimmune disorders Flashcards
what is an autoimmune sytem disorder
immune system mistakes part of your bady, like your joints or skin, as foreign. it releases autoantibodies that attack healthy cells
- B cells overproduce
- systemic inflammation
- can target 1 organ (DM1) or many organs (lupus)
what are some risk factors for autoimmune disorders
- women more at risk than men
- hereditary
- diet (no mcchickens)
- environmental
- viruses
autoimmune symptoms vary from person to person and makes diagnosis difficult, what are some possible symptoms
- fatigue
- achy muscles and joints
- low grade fever
- trouble concentrating/brain fog
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- hair loss
- skin rashes
name some labs that might be used for autoimmune disorders
- antinuclear antibodies (ANA): different patterns are correlated with different diseases
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): detects nonspecific inflammation
- VDRL (serum syphilis test): tests for lupus, systemic inflammation may cause false positive
- kidney biopsy: may show antibody-antigen clumps blocking glomerulus
describe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
inflammatory autoimmune disease, multiple organ involvement
- antibody-antigen complexes trapped in capillaries
- antibodies destroy host cell
what are some manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- chronic or acute states
- fever
- malaise
- butterfly rash
- joint and muscle pain
- pericarditis, CP
- nephritis
whats included in the medical mangement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- prevention of organ damage
- prevent complications: renal failure, CVA/MI, pain
- life threatening in acute stage
describe drug therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
immunosuppression
- corticosteroids
- MABs (belimumab)
- NSAIDS
whats included in nursing management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- emotional support
- avoid sun/UV light
- infection prevention
- diet reccomendations: heart healthy, renal, low processed
what is sjogren’s syndrome
systemic autoimmune disease affecting lacrimal and salivary glands
most common autoimmune disease
what are some manifestations of sjogren’s syndrome
- dry eyes
- dry mouth
- thivk mucus
- difficulty swallowing
- skin rash
- raynauds
whats used in the diagnosis of sjogren’s syndrome
- ocular and gland testing
- symptoms
- lab values: ANA elevated
whats included in the medical management of sjogren’s syndrome
symptom management
what drug therapy is used for sjogren’s syndrome
- artificial tears
- biotene rinse
what are some nursing considerations for sjogren’s syndrome
- diet changes
- infection prevention
- no alcohol or smoking
- mouth wash
