A teenage girl is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus ...

[jjjetplane]

A teenage girl is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which health promotion guidance is important for the nurse to provide?
 
  A.
  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is best for daily pain.
  B.
  Consider adding vitamin D to your daily routine.
  C.
  Plan to choose a career that is sedentary.
  D.
  You should consider elective sterilization.

Question 2

A parent of a child suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) asks why so many blood tests are being done. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Many of these blood tests look for possible organ damage from SLE.
  B.
  SLE is a complicated disorder and is very hard to diagnose.
  C.
  This is a very typical pattern of diagnostic blood tests we usually do.
  D.
  We are also checking for other possible autoimmune diseases.

[emilymalinowski12]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Sun exposure is a frequent cause of SLE exacerbations, so patients with SLE must use sunscreen and avoid prolonged time in the sun. This decreases vitamin D synthesis, which is required to metabolize and utilize calcium, leading to increased risk of osteoporosis. A side effect of steroid use is also osteoporosis, so patients with SLE (women especially) need to guard against this occurrence by adding supplemental vitamin D. NSAIDs are best for the pain and inflammation that accompany SLE. The patient does not have to be sedentary; a balance of rest and activity is needed. Pregnancy is not absolutely contraindicated in the patient with SLE; however, it must be considered cautiously in consultation with the health-care provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The diagnostic workup for SLE is indeed complex, but many of the tests are done to determine if organ damage has already occurred and to obtain a baseline to which future tests can be compared. The other options are vague and do not really answer the parent's questions.

[jjjetplane]

TYSM

[bulacsom]

Excellent