Exam 1 Material : SLE Lupus

Question 1

What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (SLE)

Answer 1

Systemic autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissues of multiple organs and can lead to major organ failures.

SLE also affects skin, joints and serous (pleura, pericardium) membranes

Question 2

What are the risk factors for SLE?

Answer 2

Female

African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Americans

Genetic Predisposition

Hormones

Environmental triggers (sunburn)

Infectious agents

Certain Medications

Question 3

What are the clinical manifestations of SLE?

Answer 3

Butterfly rash,

photosensitivity

alopecia

Polyarthralgia and morning stiffness

Endocarditis, pericarditis, pleural effusion

Antiphospholipid syndrome leads to MI and gangrene of the extremities

Lupus nephritis (important) 
Seizures, headaches, peripheral neuropathy

Depression, mood disorders, psychosis

Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

Increased susceptibility to infection

Question 4

Which of the clinical manifestations are very specific for SLE?

Answer 4

Butterfly rashes

Lupus nephritis

Polyarthralgia and morning stiffness.

Endocarditis, pericarditis, pleural effusion

Question 5

What are the diagnostic tests used for SLE?

Answer 5

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) (97% of SLE patients will show ANA positive)

ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) = Elevated levels means SLE

CBC = Will show pancytopenia with SLE

BUN and Creatinine = Elevated levels indicate SLE

Urinalysis = Positive for protein and RBCs in urine may indicate SLE

Anti-DNA antibodies (THE MOST SPECIFIC TEST FOR SLE)

Anti-smith antibodies

Clinical Manifestations

Question 6

What are the nursing interventions and care for someone with SLE?

Answer 6

Drug therapy

Promote small, frequent meals

Encourage to limit salt intake

Adhere to the drug regiment

Assess for Systemic manifestations such as HTN and edema, changes in mental status, diminished lungs sounds and Rubor, pallor and cyanosis of hands and feet.

Control Patient’s pain

Question 7

What drugs are included for treatment of SLE?

Answer 7

Methotrexate ( used for suppressing immune response)

NSAIDs (reduce inflammation and arthritic pain)

Antimalarial drugs ( Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) (used to reduce inflammation but risk for retinopathy)

Other Immunosuppressants