Testavia Free Nursing Practice Question - QA
What nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
A. Administer topical hydrocortisone
Administering topical hydrocortisone is the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can help reduce the inflammation and itching of the skin lesions that are common in SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack various organs and tissues, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid that can suppress the immune response and relieve the symptoms of SLE.
B. Apply cold therapy to the extremities
Applying cold therapy to the extremities is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can worsen the circulation and sensation of the fingers and toes that are affected by Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a complication of SLE. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in numbness, pain, and color changes. Cold therapy can trigger or aggravate Raynaud's phenomenon.
C. Administer antibiotics
Administering antibiotics is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it is not indicated for SLE, unless there is a secondary infection. SLE is not caused by bacteria, but by the abnormal activity of the immune system. Antibiotics are drugs that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but they have no effect on the underlying cause of SLE. Antibiotics can also have side effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or resistance.
D. Encourage ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
Encouraging ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can trigger or worsen the skin lesions and the disease activity of SLE. UV light is a type of radiation that can damage the DNA and the cells of the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and blistering. UV light can also stimulate the production of antibodies and cytokines that can attack the organs and tissues of the body.
This question is an excerpt from Testavia's nursing testbank - Multidimensional Module II Final Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering topical hydrocortisone is the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can help reduce the inflammation and itching of the skin lesions that are common in SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack various organs and tissues, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid that can suppress the immune response and relieve the symptoms of SLE.
Choice B reason: Applying cold therapy to the extremities is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can worsen the circulation and sensation of the fingers and toes that are affected by Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a complication of SLE. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in numbness, pain, and color changes. Cold therapy can trigger or aggravate Raynaud's phenomenon.
Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it is not indicated for SLE, unless there is a secondary infection. SLE is not caused by bacteria, but by the abnormal activity of the immune system. Antibiotics are drugs that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but they have no effect on the underlying cause of SLE. Antibiotics can also have side effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or resistance.
Choice D reason: Encouraging ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can trigger or worsen the skin lesions and the disease activity of SLE. UV light is a type of radiation that can damage the DNA and the cells of the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and blistering. UV light can also stimulate the production of antibodies and cytokines that can attack the organs and tissues of the body.