Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Janelle Reed –Estrada
Nursing 250
Delta College
Disease Process Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a multisystem inflammatory auto immune disease that can attack any system in the body, though it typically affects the skin, joints, and serous membranes, renal, hematologic and neurologic systems (Lewis, 2011). The origin of the disease is unknown; however it is thought to result from interactions among genetic, hormonal, immunologic, and environmental factors. Genetically it has been found that there is a high prevalence among family members to have this particular disease. Female hormones are also an important piece of the puzzle as it has been found that the onset of the disease occurs …show more content…
Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys. Lupus nephritis is when that inflammation of the kidneys is a result of the person having systemic lupus erythematosus. Circulating immune complexes that are characteristic of SLE deposit themselves in the basement membranes of the capillaries of the kidneys, inciting inflammation. The inflammation of the kidneys slows circulation in the kidneys which in turn will lead to disruption in the kidney function, when the kidney function declines the patient will likely progress to end stage renal disease. Lupus nephritis, if it occurs is the most common cause of death in a SLE patient. Heart disease is another of the primary causes of death in SLE patients. The inflammation of and around the heart causes the heart to have to work harder. Over time the muscle becomes stiff and becomes less effective. The less effective heart does not work as an efficient pump, causing a decrease in blood supply to the …show more content…
Anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common drugs used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus because it is an inflammatory disease and they are meant to target the inflammatory process and the symptoms associated with it. The problem with NSAIDs is that they can cause bleeding in patients if taken for long periods of time. When patients are using NSAIDs for management of the disease it is important to teach then the signs and symptoms of a gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients need to be checking stool and any emesis for blood. They need to be taught that not all blood is frank red and sometimes it has a dark, tarry appearance in stool and hat any signs of bleeding need to be reported to a physician right away. It is also important for the patient to note if they are having a decrease in SLE symptoms such as the pain and inflammation. If the pain and inflammation are not subsiding shortly after taking medication the medication is ineffective and the patient needs to try another form of
Janelle Reed –Estrada
Nursing 250
Delta College
Disease Process Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a multisystem inflammatory auto immune disease that can attack any system in the body, though it typically affects the skin, joints, and serous membranes, renal, hematologic and neurologic systems (Lewis, 2011). The origin of the disease is unknown; however it is thought to result from interactions among genetic, hormonal, immunologic, and environmental factors. Genetically it has been found that there is a high prevalence among family members to have this particular disease. Female hormones are also an important piece of the puzzle as it has been found that the onset of the disease occurs …show more content…
Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys. Lupus nephritis is when that inflammation of the kidneys is a result of the person having systemic lupus erythematosus. Circulating immune complexes that are characteristic of SLE deposit themselves in the basement membranes of the capillaries of the kidneys, inciting inflammation. The inflammation of the kidneys slows circulation in the kidneys which in turn will lead to disruption in the kidney function, when the kidney function declines the patient will likely progress to end stage renal disease. Lupus nephritis, if it occurs is the most common cause of death in a SLE patient. Heart disease is another of the primary causes of death in SLE patients. The inflammation of and around the heart causes the heart to have to work harder. Over time the muscle becomes stiff and becomes less effective. The less effective heart does not work as an efficient pump, causing a decrease in blood supply to the …show more content…
Anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common drugs used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus because it is an inflammatory disease and they are meant to target the inflammatory process and the symptoms associated with it. The problem with NSAIDs is that they can cause bleeding in patients if taken for long periods of time. When patients are using NSAIDs for management of the disease it is important to teach then the signs and symptoms of a gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients need to be checking stool and any emesis for blood. They need to be taught that not all blood is frank red and sometimes it has a dark, tarry appearance in stool and hat any signs of bleeding need to be reported to a physician right away. It is also important for the patient to note if they are having a decrease in SLE symptoms such as the pain and inflammation. If the pain and inflammation are not subsiding shortly after taking medication the medication is ineffective and the patient needs to try another form of