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A nurse is performing the initial assessment of a patient who has a recent diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What skin manifestation would the nurse expect to observe on inspection?
- A. Petechiae
- B. Butterfly rash
- C. Jaundice
- D. Skin sloughing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An acute cutaneous lesion consisting of a butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks occurs in SLE. Petechiae are pinpoint skin hemorrhages, which are not a clinical manifestation of SLE. Patients with SLE do not typically experience jaundice or skin sloughing.
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A patients decreased mobility is ultimately the result of an autoimmune reaction originating in the synovial tissue, which caused the formation of pannus. This patient has been diagnosed with what health problem?
- A. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- B. Systemic lupus erythematosus
- C. Osteoporosis
- D. Polymyositis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In RA, the autoimmune reaction results in phagocytosis, producing enzymes within the joint that break down collagen, cause edema and proliferation of the synovial membrane, and ultimately form pannus. Pannus destroys cartilage and bone. SLE, osteoporosis, and polymyositis do not involve pannus formation.
The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who has scleroderma. The nurse refers to resources that describe CREST syndrome. Which of the following is a component of CREST syndrome?
- A. Raynauds phenomenon
- B. Thyroid dysfunction
- C. Esophageal varices
- D. Osteopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The R in CREST stands for Raynauds phenomenon. Thyroid dysfunction, esophageal varices, and osteopenia are not associated with scleroderma.
A patient with SLE has come to the clinic for a routine check-up. When auscultating the patients apical heart rate, the nurse notes the presence of a distinct scratching sound. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Reposition the patient and auscultate posteriorly.
- B. Document the presence of S3 and monitor the patient closely.
- C. Inform the primary care provider that a friction rub may be present.
- D. Inform the primary care provider that the patient may have pneumonia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with SLE are susceptible to developing a pericardial friction rub, possibly associated with myocarditis and accompanying pleural effusions; this warrants prompt medical follow-up. This finding is not characteristic of pneumonia and does not constitute S3. Posterior auscultation is unlikely to yield additional meaningful data.
A patient with rheumatic disease is complaining of stomatitis. The nurse caring for the patient should further assess the patient for the adverse effects of what medications?
- A. Corticosteroids
- B. Gold-containing compounds
- C. Antimalarials
- D. Salicylate therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stomatitis is an adverse effect that is associated with gold therapy. Steroids, antimalarials, and salicylates do not normally have this adverse effect.
A patient has been admitted to a medical unit with a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The nurse should be aware of what aspects of PMR? Select all that apply.
- A. PMR has an association with the genetic marker HLA-DR4.
- B. Immunoglobulin deposits occur in PMR.
- C. PMR is considered to be a wear-and-tear disease.
- D. Foods high in purines exacerbate the biochemical processes that occur in PMR.
- E. PMR occurs predominately in Caucasians.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: The underlying mechanism involved with polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown. This disease occurs predominately in Caucasians and often in first-degree relatives. An association with the genetic marker HLA-DR4 suggests a familial predisposition. Immunoglobulin deposits in the walls of inflamed temporal arteries also suggest an autoimmune process. Purines are unrelated and it is not a result of physical degeneration.