Patho
What is the most common, complex, and serious autoimmune disorder?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Name an environmental risk factor for SLE?
Pollution and sunlight
This distinctive facial rash, shaped like an insect it's named after, is a hallmark sign of SLE.
The butterfly rash
To meet the classification criteria for SLE, a patient must have a minimum of how many signs?
Greater than 4.
This class of medications, which includes hydroxychloroquine, is commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory effects in the management of SLE.
Antimalarial drugs.
What crucial parts of the immune system get activated in response to self-antigens in SLE?
T cells and B cells
In SLE, exposure to what can act as a trigger for the immune system confusion?
Infections
Inflammation of the kidneys, known as this specific term, can lead to proteinuria and hematuria.
Lupus nephritis
Joint pain and swelling are part of the diagnostic criteria, with arthritis being one of the qualifying items. How many joints should be involved to meet this criterion?
At least two joints
Prednisone and prednisolone are examples of these medications, often used int he short term to manage acute flares of SLE due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Corticosteroids.
In SLE, what is the outcome of the chronic and self-sustained immune response initiated by activation of T and B cells?
Inflammation and damage to tissues and organs.
What age is someone with SLE most likely to be diagnosed?
20's and 30's
Inflammation of the lining around the heart, causing chest pain and often heard as a friction rub, is known as this condition.
Pericarditis
Anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia are part of the diagnostic criteria under this category, indicating abnormalities in this bodily system.
Hematologic criteria.
Regular assessments for signs of disease actvity such as skin rashes, joint pain, and organ involvement are essential. What is the overarching goal of these assessments in the context of SLE care?
Early detection and intervention
What specific substances released from cell damage in SLE does the immune system recognize as "foreign" or self-antigens?
Nucleic acids, erythrocytes, coagulation proteins, phospholipids, lymphocytes, platelets, and other self components
This hormone is believed to contribute to the higher prevalence of SLE in women.
Estrogen
90% of those diagnosed with SLE have this manifestation in the joints
Arthralgias/acute polyarthritis
The presence of what antibodies are positive in 98% of individuals with SLE?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
What is one topic of health promotion that nurses can educate patients with SLE to take action on?
Sun protection, recognizing early symptoms, medication adherence.
Other than 'autoimmune,' what are some other ways to describe SLE?
chronic, multisystem, inflammatory
This demographic group, comprising approximately 90% of SLE cases, is most commonly affected by the disease.
Females (AFAB).
Name 2 GI complications of SLE
Impaired bowel motility, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
False.
Regular monitoring of one of these three things is essential for patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy due to the increased risk of these potential side effects.
Blood pressure, blood glucose levels, bone density