Lupus Patient Education Activity
A 20-year old female presents with chief complaint of fatigue, anxiety, and heart palpitations. She has
recently given birth to her second child, a daughter. Initial recommendation from her follow up
appointment is to rest. The patient’s symptoms worsen and then gradually resolve. Over the next year
she has increased fatigue and headaches. She also starts to complain of joint pain in her ankles, knees,
elbows, wrists, and fingers. Rest and over-the-counter pain medication relieve her symptoms, but it is
difficult for her to find time for much rest due to the responsibilities of caring for a family and working
full-time. The winter brings a new intolerance to low temperatures. She states her hands and feet
becoming painful and discolored when she is exposed to cold. Her extremities became painful, stiff, and
altered in color when exposed to cold temperatures. She also develops a butterfly rash.
DX: systemic lupus erythematosus.
Rx: prednisone and hydroxychloroquine
You are providing the patient with education on her new diagnosis. Create a patient teaching plan
that covers the following questions.
1. What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks different parts of
the body causing inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect the skin,
joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and brain. Patients with Lupus may have phases of
worsening symptoms called “flares” and other periods of milder symptoms.
2. What key lifestyle changes will the patient need to address to manage her condition?
- Nutritional change by adopting a healthy lifestyle by incorporating fruits, legumes and grains
- Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen when going out
- Reduce emotional stress
- Regular exercise and adequate rest are other important keys to manage her condition
3. What are the important teaching points for her medications?
- Hydroxychloroquine:
 it is used for suppression of synovitis, fever, and fatigue.
 Instruct her to have frequent eye examination
- Prednisone:
 It is used for immunosuppression and to reduce inflammation
 Instruct her that she should not stop prednisone abruptly.
 She should gradually taper the dosage as prescribed.
4. What are the recommendations to manage her symptoms, to avoid flare-ups, and to monitor
her condition?
- Avoid sun exposure because it triggers rash and flares.
- Avoid drying agents such alcohol
- Avoid prescribed anti-steroid cream and harsh treatment to hair
- Rest as much as possible to promote healing and reduce inflammation
- Encourage deep breathing exercises to promote adequate gas exchange and prevent lung
diseases.
5. What symptoms, if they occur, should she report immediately to her provider and why?
- New onset of fever or if fever is higher than usual
- Excess bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Confusion or mood changes