SLE, MS, Guillain-Barres syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis

The 26-year-old female client is complaining of a low-grade fever, arthralgias, fatigue, and a facial rash. Which laboratory tests should the nurse expect the HCP to order if SLE is expected?

• Complete metabolic panel and liver function tests

• Complete blood count and antinuclear antibody tests

• Cholesterol and lipid profile tests

• Blood urea nitrogen and glomerular filtration tests

The client diagnosed with SLE is being discharged from the medical unit. Which discharge instructions are most important for the nurse to include? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

• Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater when in the sunlight

• Notify the HCP immediately when developing a low-grade fever

• Some dyspnea is expected and does not need immediate attention

• The hands and feet may change color if exposed to cold or heat

• Explain the client can be cured with continued therapy

The nurse is developing a care plan for a client diagnosed with SLE. Which goal is priority for this client?

• The client will maintain reproductive ability

• The client will verbalize feelings of body-image changes

• The client will have no deterioration of organ function

• The client's skin will remain intact and have no irritation

The nurse is admitting a client diagnosed with R/O SLE. Which assessment data observed by the nurse support the diagnosis of SLE?

• Pericardial friction rub and crackles in the lungs

• Muscle spasticity and bradykinesia

• Hirsutism and clubbing of the fingers

• Somnolence and weight gain

The client diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of SLE is prescribed high-dose steroids. Which statement best explains the scientific rationale for using high-dose steroids in treating SLE?

• The steroids will increase the body's ability to fight the infection

• The steroids will decrease the chance of the SLE spreading to other organs

• The steroids will suppress tissue inflammation, which reduces damage to organs

• The steroids will prevent scarring of skin tissues associated with SLE

The nurse enters the room of a female client diagnosed with SLE and finds the client crying. Which statement is the most therapeutic response?

• "I know you are upset, but stress makes SLE worse."

• "Please explain to me why you are crying?"

• "I recommend going to an SLE support group."

• "I see you are crying. We can talk if you would like."

The nurse is assessing a client with cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Which intervention should be implemented?

• Use astringent lotion on the face and skin

• Inspect the skin weekly for open areas or rashes

• Dry the skin thoroughly by pating

• Apply anti-itch medication between the toes

The nurse is caring for clients on a medical floor. Which client should be assessed first?

• The client diagnosed with SLE who is complaining of chest pain

• The client diagnosed with MS who is complaining of pain at a 10

• The client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis who has dysphagia

• The client diagnosed with GB syndrome who can barely move his toes

The nurse and a female UAP are caring for a group of clients on a medical floor. Which action by the UAP warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• The UAP washes her hands before and after performing vital signs on a client

• The UAP dons sterile gloves prior to removing an indwelling catheter from a client

• The UAP raises the head of the bed to high Fowler's position for a client about to eat

• The UAP uses a fresh plastic bag to get ice for a client's water pitcher

The client recently diagnosed with SLE asks the nurse, "What is SLE and how did I get it?" Which statement best explains the scientific rationale for the nurse's response?

• SLE occurs because the kidneys do not filter antibodies from the blood

• SLE occurs after a viral illness as a result of damage to the endocrine system

• There is no known identifiable reason for a client to develop SLE

• This is an autoimmune disease that may have a genetic or hormonal component