Clinical Manifestation
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Butterfly rash on the face
Appetite loss
Hair loss
Fever
Fatigue
Photosensitivity
Mouth ulcers
Unexplained Fever
Pericarditis
Pleuritis
Painful and swollen joints
Chest pain upon deep
breathing
Swelling (edema) in legs
or around eyes
Raynauds phenomenon
Chorea
Potential complications
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Blood clots and inflammation of blood
vessels or vasculitis
Inflammation of the heart, or pericarditis
Heart attack
Stroke
Memory changes
Behavioral changes
Seizures
Inflammation of lung tissue and the lining of
the lung, or pleuritis
Kidney inflammation/ Kidney failure
Nursing Assessment
Diagnostic Test
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Antinuclear
antibody titer
Skin/kidney biopsy
CBC
BUN
Erythrocyte
sedimentation rate
(ESR)
Urine analysis
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Assess skin integrity.
Assess patient for pain.
Assess for erythematous rash
which can be on the neck, face, or
extremities.
Assess and monitor patient’s labs.
Disease Process: Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE)
Pathophysiology: an autoimmune disease with variable clinical symptoms, multisystem inflammation, antibodies to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, and a remitting
and recurrent history. Over 90% of SLE cases involve women, often beginning in their reproductive years. Although it mostly affects the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells,
and nervous system, it is a chronic inflammatory illness that can impact nearly any organ system. It can be indolent to fulminant, with an extensively varied presentation
and course. SLE is diagnosed by a health care provider using symptom assessments, physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests.
Nursing Interventions
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Neuro checks
Pain control management/comfort measure
Analgesic administration
Range of motion exercises
Monitor disease progression including organ
involvement and complications.
Provide support and guidance for managing
symptoms and minimizing disease triggers.
Expected Outcomes
Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure.
Although lupus can cause ongoing agony, there is often
good news about this condition. According to lupus
groups, 80–90% of individuals with lupus will have a
normal life expectancy with the right care and regular
clinical follow-up. The degree of the illness determines
the effects of lupus.
Teaching Education/discharge
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Medication/side effect teaching
Do not rub/apply lotion to dry skin.
Use mild protein shampoo.
Range of motion exercises, frequent
rest periods
Diet (foods to avoid)
Coping strategies/ disease process
Referral for support group