Question

After a routine physical examination, the healthcare admits a woman with a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) to the hospital because she has 3+ pitting ankle edema and blood in her urine. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Answer 1

Blood in the urine warrants immediate intervention in a patient with SLE as it indicates potential kidney involvement, which is a serious complication of the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the assessment findings of a woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) who has been admitted with 3+ pitting ankle edema and blood in her urine, the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. This symptom may indicate a possible involvement of the kidneys, known as lupus nephritis, which is a serious complication of SLE and requires prompt medical attention. Timing is crucial as kidney involvement can lead to further systemic issues and significant morbidity if not treated swiftly.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the autoantibodies such as anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), and anti-Sm antibodies which can cause body-wide tissue damage, manifested in a variety of symptoms that can affect the skin, joints, and internal organs.