Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Question 1

What is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of connective tissues that affects almost all body systems including musculoskeletal system and is characterized by remissions/exacerbations?

Answer 1

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Question 2

What drugs can cause a syndrome that mimic SLE s/s?

Answer 2

Procainamide, hydralazine and isoniazid

Question 3

What are typical early s/s?

Answer 3

Mimic those of RA including systemic manifestations of fever, anorexia, malaise and wt. loss; musculoskeletal manifestations of multiple arthralgia’s and symmetric polyarthritis

Question 4

What is the skin reaction r/t SLE?

Answer 4

Red butterfly rash across the cheeks and bridge of nose

Question 5

Most common manifestations of SLE?

Answer 5

Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain, unexplained fever, red rash especially on face, unusual hair loss, pale cyanotic fingers/toes, sensitivity to the sun, edema in legs and around eyes, ulcers in mouth, enlarged glands and extreme fatigue

Question 6

What is the more specific indicator diagnostic test used for SLE?

Answer 6

Anti-DNA antibody testing

Question 7

ESR, serum complement levels, CBC, urinalysis, BUN/CRT, and kidney biopsy are what?

Answer 7

Other diagnostics

Question 8

What meds are often used for SLE to treat arthralgia’s, fever and fatigue?

Answer 8

Aspirin and other NSAIDs

Question 9

What meds are often used for SLE to treat skin/arthritic manifestations?

Answer 9

Antimalarial drugs like Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Question 10

What is important to assess for in antimalarial drugs?

Answer 10

Eye exams q6mon bc can cause retinal toxicity and irreversible blindness

Question 11

If SLE is sevre/life-threatening what med is often used?

Answer 11

High doses of corticosteroids (40-60mg/day)

Question 12

What other meds may be used in the treatment for SLE?

Answer 12

Cytotoxic or antineoplastic drugs

Question 13

Complication of Cytotoxic/antineoplastic drugs?

Answer 13

Can increase risk of infection, malignancy, bone marrow depression and toxic effects

Question 14

Nursing considerations for Cytotoxic/antineoplastic drugs?

Answer 14

Monitor CBC/WBC/PLT, renal/liver function tests, admin oral w/ food, increase fluids, monitor for s/s of bleeding

Question 15

Pt teaching for Cytotoxic/antineoplastic drugs?

Answer 15

Avoid crowds, report s/s of infection/bleeding, use contraceptives during sexual activities, refrain from takin Aspirin/NSAIDs bc can increase bleed, report any difficulty breathing/coughing

Question 16

Risk for infection/imbalanced fluid volume/imbalanced nutrition: less than/ineffective tissue perfusion/impaired skin integrity, chronic pain, risk for ineffective management of therapeutic regimen/activity intolerance/disturbed body image, compromised fam coping are all what?

Answer 16

Diagnosis

Question 17

What should be added to a healthy diet to prevent cardiovascular disease?

Answer 17

Oily fish as omega 3 fatty acids