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Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights

School
Galen College of Nursing**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
NUR 265
Subject
Nursing
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
4
Uploaded by GeneralFishPerson388
Lupus Erythematosus•Systemic Lupus Erythematosus• Chronic, progressive, inflammatory connective tissue disorder•Can cause major body organs/systems to fail•Spontaneous remissions and exacerbations•Autoimmune process•Immune complexes form
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LupusPathophysiology•Autoimmune disease•Two types – Skin only (discoid) and systemic •Onset age 20-40; 10X more often in women•Chronic and progressive•Pt may experience remission periods • Manifestations• Skin•Renal – SLE most attracted to kidneys • CV• Pulmonary• Neurologic• GI• Musculoskeletal• GeneralizedDiagnostics•Skin bx•Taken from the rash•Confirmed with large number of inflammatory cells• CBC •May reveal pancytopenia (decreased RBC, WBC, and Platelets), or anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia – direct attack of blood cells or bone marrow by immune complexes.•Erythrocyte sedimentation rate•Kidney bx
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LupusManifestationsSkin•Dry, scaly raised rash “butterfly” rash•Discoid lesions (coinlike)-scarringRenal•nephritisCV•Pericarditis•Raynaud’s Pulmonary•Pleural effusions•Pneumonia, or pleurisyNeurologic•Seizures, migraine HA, peripheral neuropathies, memory issuesOther•Fever and Fatigue – most common findings. Fever is the classic sign of a flare or exacerbation•Anorexia•Vasculitis – vessels inflamed, deprives organs of arterial blood supply and oxygen•Polyarthritis (small joints and knees most often)•Muscle atrophy•Generalized weakness•AnemiaTreatment•Topical cortisone – reduce inflammation (predisone)•Hydroxychloroquine – deceases absorption of ultraviolet light – decreases risk of skin lesions•Acetaminophen or NSAID’s – muscle pain and inflammation•Chronic steroids•Chronic steroid therapy may cause constriction of small blood vessels supplying the joint causing tissue to diePatient Teaching•Protect skin to prevent exacerbation•Avoid sunlight, fluorescent light, wear sun block, etc•Clean skin with mild soap•Avoid perfumes•Used cosmetics with moisturizers and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – at least 30
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Lyme DiseasePathophysiology•Systemic infectionCaused by Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferiVector borne disease –Tick bite•Early manifestationsFlu like symptoms, erythema migrans (round/oval, flat or slightly raise rash), pain, stiffness in muscles and jointsPrevention• Avoid wooded areas• Wear light colored clothing• Use an insect repellent with deet• Wear long sleeves and pants• Closed shoes and hat• Bathe immediately after being in an infested area• Inspect body for ticks• Check pets• Removed with tweezers• Wait 4-6 weeks for testing after tick bite (not reliable)• Report symptoms immediately
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