In: Nursing
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/day; hydrosychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) before meals at
the same time each day; and predinisone in tapering doses over the
next month. The physician also started the patient on Lisinopril,
and ACE inhibitor for the hypertension and a statin for the
elevated lipids. The clinic nurse is asked by the physician to
provide patient and family education.
a. What teaching plan topics should the nurse provide for the
patient?