Systemic lupus erythematosus
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Autoimmune / GeneticRenal / Urinary / ElectrolytesHematologic / ImmuneIntegumentary / Burns / Woundshigh priorityneeds review
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Also testable as: SLE, Lupus
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Autoimmune disease with genetic, hormonal, environmental, and immune triggers.
- Immune complexes and inflammation can affect skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, lungs, heart, and nervous system.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | May be used for inflammatory flares or organ involvement. |
Nursing actions
- Assess fatigue, fever, joint pain, rash, photosensitivity, edema, urine changes, chest pain, and infection risk.
- Teach sun protection, rest/activity balance, medication adherence, and infection reporting.
- Monitor renal signs, blood counts, and pregnancy-risk counseling per provider plan.
Complications
- Lupus nephritis
- Pericarditis
- Anemia/thrombocytopenia
- Infection
- Thrombosis
NCLEX cues
- Butterfly rash plus photosensitivity and joint pain.
- Proteinuria/edema means renal involvement.
- Steroids increase infection risk.
Memory hooks
- Lupus can hit many systems; kidneys make it priority.
Labs / Diagnostics
- ANA and autoimmune labs when ordered
- Urinalysis/protein
- Creatinine
- CBC
- Complement trends
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.