Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Question 1

Describe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Onset?
Characterized by ____ and _____.

Answer 1

chronic, progressive, Autoimmune, inflammatory connective tissue disorder
Acute or slow onset
Remission and Exacerbations

Question 2

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Pathophysiology

Answer 2

Production of Antinuclear antibodies that target a cell’s nucleus contents, resulting in the formation of immune complexes in serum and organs
–> Inflammation and destruction
Organs are affected directly or indirectly by affecting the vessels that provide organs with O2
-Nephrophilic

Question 3

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is more commonly associated with (Gender, Ethnicity, Age) and the cause is associated with ____ and _____.

Answer 3

Females of color aged 20-40.

Genetic and Environmental

Question 4

Why is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) hard to diagnose?

Answer 4

S/S have a WIDE range and are very similar to S/S of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Diagnostic testing is supportive, not definitive

Question 5

Assessment + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

What is one distinguishing characteristic of SLE?

Answer 5

Butterfly rash

Question 6

Assessment + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

Name a few other important S/S of SLE

Answer 6

1. Kidney involvement (nephrophilic)
2. Reynaud’s phenomenon
3. Enlarged lymph nodes, low-grade fever

Question 7

Reynaud’s phenomenon can be triggered by: (2)

Answer 7

1. Cold

2. Stress

Question 8

Interventions + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

What are the main interventions we want to target?

Answer 8

1. Pharmacological Tx
2. Skin integrity
3. Knowledge deficit
4. Increased risk for infection
5. Pain and Fatigue
   (Messer didn’t mention #5, but still important)

Question 9

Interventions + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
Pharmacology
What do the drugs used for SLE increase the risk for?

Answer 9

Drugs: Steroids (during flares), Immunosuppressives, and Biologics (belimumab)

RISK FOR INFECTION!
-Instruct pt to avoid large crowds

Question 10

Interventions + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):

Skin Integrity

Answer 10

• *EMPHASIZE Skin protection**
  1. Mild soap, lotion, and cosmetics
  2. Avoid direct sunlight
  3. Use Sunscreen
  4. Hair treatment
  5. Dermatologist referral

Question 11

Interventions + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
Knowledge Deficit:
What Sx can indicate an exacerbation?

Answer 11

Emphasize the Importance of recognizing exacerbations

Presence of fever

Question 12

What is the most common cause of death related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?

Answer 12

KIDNEY FAILURE