Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which finding should the nurse expect?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Butterfly rash
Rationale:
Butterfly rash
🔷The malar (“butterfly”) rash is a classic cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), appearing as fixed erythema across the cheeks and bridge of the nose while typically sparing the nasolabial folds.
🔷It reflects autoimmune inflammation with immune‑complex activation in the skin, and its presence strongly supports SLE in the ACR/EULAR classification criteria.
🔷Photosensitivity is characteristic: UV exposure can trigger or worsen the malar rash and broader disease activity, so sun protection is central to care.
🔷The rash is usually non‑scarring in acute cutaneous lupus (unlike discoid lesions), and its severity often parallels systemic disease activity.
🔷Associated mucocutaneous findings—such as oral/nasal ulcers and alopecia—can co‑occur, underscoring the multisystem nature of SLE.
Joint pain
🔷Arthralgia/arthritis is one of the most common SLE manifestations, presenting as symmetric, inflammatory joint pain that frequently involves hands, wrists, and knees.
🔷The arthritis of SLE is typically non‑erosive, meaning radiographs lack destructive changes, even when synovitis and functional limitation are present.
🔷Pain and morning stiffness arise from immune‑complex–mediated synovial inflammation, with disease activity fluctuating in flares and remissions.
🔷Joint symptoms often coincide with systemic features like fatigue and low‑grade fever, reflecting the systemic autoimmunity driving SLE.
🔷First‑line disease control commonly includes hydroxychloroquine (disease‑modifying), with NSAIDs or short steroid courses used for inflammatory flares while monitoring for adverse effects.
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This question is from Examplify-NR 324 Medsurg Quiz which contains 10 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 5