Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Orthopedic and Connective Tissue Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Orthopedic and Connective Tissue Disorders related questions and content

A client has had several diagnostic tests to determine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What result is very specific indicator of this diagnosis?

  • A. Positive Anti-dsDNA antibody test
  • B. Positive Anti-Sm antibodies
  • C. Positive ANA titer
  • D. Elevated ESR
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody test is a test that shows high titers of antibodies against native DNA. This is very specific for SLE because this test is not positive for other autoimmune disorders. Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies are specific for SLE, but are found in only 20% to 30% of clients with SLE. ANA titer shows the presence of an autoimmune disease but is not specific to SLE. The other lab studies may also indicate multisystem involvement.