Final answer:
Recommended treatments for moderate SLE unresponsive to NSAIDs and hydroxychloroquine include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, with close monitoring by healthcare providers. The correct answer is option: B) Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents.
Step-by-step explanation:
For moderate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that does not respond to NSAIDs and hydroxychloroquine, the recommended therapeutic options include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, work by down-regulating the inflammatory response that is at the core of SLE's symptoms and pathology.
Immunosuppressive agents like methotrexate and azathioprine can be used to control the immune system more directly, reducing the production of autoantibodies that attack the body. These treatment options aim to manage the symptoms and prevent long-term damage caused by the disease.
In addition to pharmacological treatments, patients with SLE are generally advised to avoid triggers such as sunlight, which can exacerbate the condition, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which may include gentle physical therapy and exercise to keep joints flexible and muscles strong.