The nurse is assessing a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following would the nurse expect to note?

Explanation

• SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that more common in women. There is no cure, but it is treated with immunosuppression.

• A butterfly rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose is a classic sign of SLE. Other signs include chest pain with inspiration, fatigue, fever, general discomfort, alopecia (hair loss), mouth dryness and sores, photosensitivity, and muscle pain and weakness.

• Incorrect: Hyperthyroidism is not associated with SLE. Sometimes an autoimmune thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) can be more common in individuals with SLE.

• Incorrect: Hair loss, not hair growth, is commonly seen in patients with SLE.

• Incorrect: Recurrent DVTs are not commonly associated with SLE.

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