Question

A client has had several diagnostic tests to determine if he has systemic lupus erythematosus (sle). what result is very specific indicator of this diagnosis?

A) Elevated white blood cell count
B) Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
C) Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
D) Low platelet count

Answer 1

A Positive Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is a very specific indicator for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as over 95% of SLE patients have these autoantibodies. Therefore, the correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

A very specific indicator of the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a Positive Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test. ANAs are autoantibodies that can be directed against a variety of DNA-binding proteins and even against DNA itself. Over 95% of patients with SLE present these autoantibodies, including anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) and anti-Smith (Sm) antibodies, which are particularly unique to SLE. The presence of these autoantibodies is so closely associated with SLE that their detection is included in the classification criteria for the disease and can be critical for the diagnosis and management of the condition.