1. Sytemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLE

2. Introduction
Lupus is classified as discoid (skin) , systemic, or drug-induced.
Discoid
Primarily affects the skin.
Erythematosus butterfly rash over nose and cheeks.
Generally self-limiting.
Systemic
Affects the connective tissues of multiple organ systems.
Can lead to major organ failure.
Drug-induced
Drugs:hydralazine, isoniazid
Symptoms resolve when the drug is discontinued.
Does not cause renal or neurological disease.

3. Key factors
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Varies in severity and progression.
Chronic; exacerbations (flares) and remissions.
Lupus may be difficult to diagnose because of the vagueness of early symptoms.
The cause of lupus is unknown.
There is no known cure for discoid or systemic lupus.

4. Risk Factors
Female gender between the ages of 15 and 40 (drops after menopause)
Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Interventions
Antinuclear Antibody Titer (antibody produced against one’s own DNA)
Lupus Antibodies
Decreased BUN, Serum Creatinine: Elevated (with renal involvement)
Urinalysis: Positive for protein, RBCs (renal involvement)
CBC: Pancytopenia

5. Assessments Monitor for signs and symptoms. Fatigue/malaise
Fever (also major symptom of exacerbation)
Butterfly rash on face
Alopecia
Anorexia/weight loss
Anemia
Lymphadenopathy
Depression
Joint pain, swelling, tenderness
Raynaud’s phenomenon (arteriolar vasospasm in response to cold/stress)

6. Assess/Monitor Pain, mobility, and fatigue
Vital signs (especially blood pressure)
For systemic manifestations:
HTN, edema, Urine output, BUN, serum creatinine (renal compromise)
Diminished breath sounds (pleural effusion)
Tachycardia, sharp inspiratory chest pain (pericarditis)
Rubor, pallor, cyanosis of hands/feet (vasculitis/vasospasm, Raynaud’s phenomenon) Arthralgias, myalgias, polyarthritis (joint, connective tissue involvement)
Psychoses, paresis, seizures (neurologic involvement)
Nutritional status

7. NANDA Nursing Diagnoses
Risk for infection
Acute pain, chronic pain
Deficient knowledge
Ineffective coping
Risk for altered tissue perfusion (cardiac, renal, peripheral)

8. Nursing Interventions
Teach the client regarding the need to:
Avoid UV and sun exposure.
Use sunscreen when outside and exposed to sunlight.
Use mild protein shampoo and avoid harsh hair treatments.
Use steroid creams for skin rash.
Report peripheral and periorbital edema promptly.
Report signs/symptoms of infection related to immunosuppression.

9. Medical Management
NSAIDs to reduce inflammation (Gastric ulcer, NSAID-induced hepatitis),contraindicated for clients with renal compromise.
Corticosteroids (fluid retention, HTN, and renal dysfunction), weaning
Immunosuppressant agents (methotrexate) (bone marrow suppression, increased liver enzymes).
Antimalarial for suppression of synovitis, fever, and fatigue. Encourage frequent eye examinations.
Provide small, frequent meals if anorexia is a problem. Offer between-meal supplements.
Encourage the client to limit salt intake for fluid retention secondary to steroid therapy.
Provide emotional support to the client and significant others. Refer to support groups as appropriate.

10. Complications and Nursing Implications
Renal failure/glomerulonephritis (major cause of death)
Pericarditis, myocarditis (instruct client to report chest pain)
Vasculitis (major organ ischemia)
Osteonecrosis (constriction of small blood vessels supplying hip joint) secondary to corticosteroids
Increased incidence of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and other pregnancy-related complications (sexual counseling regarding contraception)