A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What symptom would the nurse expect to see?
A.
Joint pain with swelling
B.
Intense wrinkles
C.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
D.
Tachycardia
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Joint pain with swelling.
Explanation:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems in the body. The hallmark of SLE is its wide range of symptoms, which can vary greatly from one individual to another. However, joint pain with swelling is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms of SLE.
Joint Pain with Swelling: One of the most prevalent manifestations of SLE is arthralgia (joint pain) and arthritis (joint inflammation). This symptom is present in approximately 90% of patients with SLE at some point during their disease course. The arthritis associated with SLE is usually non-erosive, meaning it does not cause joint damage like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, the pain and swelling are due to inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints. The symptoms can be intermittent and vary in severity, often affecting the small joints of the hands and wrists.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: While Raynaud’s phenomenon, characterized by episodic color changes in the fingers and toes in response to cold or stress, is commonly associated with SLE, it is not as definitive a symptom as joint pain and swelling. Raynaud’s can occur in other conditions as well, including primary Raynaud’s disease and other autoimmune disorders.
Intense Wrinkles: This symptom is not typically associated with SLE. SLE may cause a variety of skin changes, including the classic “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose, but it does not lead to intense wrinkles.
Tachycardia: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a primary symptom of SLE. While SLE can affect the heart, leading to pericarditis or myocarditis, tachycardia is not a core feature of the disease itself but rather a potential secondary manifestation related to other complications.
In summary, joint pain with swelling is a classic and frequently observed symptom of SLE, making it the most expected finding among the options provided.