Question

Case Study, Chapter 38, Assessment and Management of Patients with Rheumatic Disorders 2. Julie Walker, a 22-year-old patient, is newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She presented with extreme fatigue; muscle and joint aching and swelling; a butterfly- shaped, flat, red rash across the bridge of the nose: patchy alopecia; a low-grade fever, and loss of appetite. Further workup revealed a positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) titer, anemia, leucopenia, and mild thrombocytopenia. She has an abnormal lipid profile, proteinuria, and hypertension. The liver and renal profiles are within normal range. The physician ordered over- the-counter ibuprofen as needed for joint discomfort, but not to exceed 1,200 mg/day; hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) before meals at the same time each day; and prednisone

Answer 1

Answer: The teaching plan that nurse should provide for the patient are:

• Have balanced and proper nutritional diet.
• It is important to maintain hygiene as person becomes more prone to infections.
• Prevent the chill bath as temperature difference may cause paralysis.
• Patient should take deep breath and frequently perform this act. It enables the respiration properly.
• The foods should be rich in protein and vitamins to enhance the muscle strengthening.