Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder causing widespread inflammation with a butterfly rash, joint pain, fatigue, and low blood counts. Monitor renal function, weight, and watch for infection or bleeding. Treatment uses immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and antimalarials to control inflammation.
Lets talk about some key NCLEX points to know for systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus. So what's happening here during lupus is that the immune system is attacking normal, healthy cells in the body and it leads to a lot of inflammation. Now this is an autoimmune response in the body. This is an autoimmune disorder. And some common signs and symptoms that you'll see on the NCLEX are a butterfly rash, also called a malar rash, swollen, stiff, painful joints, extreme fatigue. You'll want to watch for low red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count. The patient may have unexplained fever or weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath or hair loss. Now a key NCLEX point to know is that we want to monitor the kidney lab values and the urine protein for signs of renal damage. We also want to monitor them for pain, do a pain assessment, watch for signs of infection, bleeding or bruising and do daily weight ch and common medications for our patients with lupus are immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, NSAIDs and even some antimalarial medications to help to reduce that inflammation.
