Lupus Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan: Comprehensive Guide for Nurses

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ system in the body. In SLE, the body’s immune system, which normally defends against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and cells. This misdirected immune response leads to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. While the exact cause of SLE remains unknown, a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and environmental triggers are believed to play significant roles. Understanding SLE and its varied manifestations is crucial for nurses to provide effective and holistic care.

Under normal immune function, the body produces antibodies to target and neutralize foreign substances (antigens). However, in individuals with SLE, this system malfunctions. The body loses its ability to distinguish between foreign antigens and its own healthy tissues. Consequently, it produces autoantibodies – antibodies that attack the body’s own cells and tissues. These autoantibodies then bind with antigens to form immune complexes. These immune complexes deposit in various tissues throughout the body, triggering inflammation, tissue injury, and pain, which are hallmarks of SLE.

The severity of SLE can range from mild, primarily affecting the skin and joints, to severe, impacting major organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. The disease course is often characterized by periods of flare-ups, where symptoms worsen, and remissions, where symptoms subside.

There are three main types of lupus:

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): This type is primarily limited to the skin. DLE causes a characteristic rash, often disc-shaped, but typically does not affect internal organs. In rare cases, DLE can progress to systemic lupus.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common and often more severe form of lupus. SLE can affect any organ system in the body, leading to a wide array of symptoms and complications. The unpredictable nature of flares and remissions makes SLE management challenging.
Drug-Induced Lupus: This temporary form of lupus is triggered by certain medications. Drugs most frequently associated with drug-induced lupus include hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid, chlorpromazine, d-penicillamine, and some anti-seizure medications. Symptoms usually develop after months or years of continuous medication use and typically resolve once the medication is discontinued.

Nursing Care Plans and Management

Nursing care for clients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is multifaceted and aims to alleviate symptoms, manage disease activity, prevent complications, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Key nursing goals include:

Relief of pain and discomfort associated with inflammation and tissue damage.
Management of fatigue, a common and debilitating symptom of SLE.
Maintenance of skin integrity, addressing skin rashes, lesions, and photosensitivity.
Promoting adherence to prescribed medications and treatment regimens.
Enhancing patient knowledge and understanding of SLE and self-management strategies.
Early detection and prevention of potential complications.

Nursing Problem Priorities

The primary nursing priorities for patients with SLE are:

Comprehensive Assessment: Thoroughly assess patients to identify the diverse signs and symptoms of SLE and monitor disease activity.
Medication Administration and Management: Administer prescribed medications, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and other agents, and monitor for therapeutic effects and potential side effects.
Disease Monitoring: Continuously monitor and document disease progression, noting organ involvement, symptom changes, and potential complications.
Patient Education: Educate patients and their families about SLE, medication regimens, symptom management, and lifestyle modifications to promote self-care and adherence.
Symptom Management and Support: Provide holistic support and guidance to patients in managing their symptoms, minimizing disease triggers, and coping with the chronic nature of SLE.

Nursing Assessment

A thorough nursing assessment is crucial for developing an effective Lupus Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan. Assess for the following subjective and objective data:

Subjective Data:
- Patient’s description of pain: location, intensity, character, aggravating and relieving factors.
- Presence and nature of fatigue: onset, duration, impact on daily activities.
- Skin symptoms: rashes (location, appearance, triggers), photosensitivity, oral ulcers, hair loss.
- Joint symptoms: pain, stiffness (morning stiffness), swelling, limitations in movement.
- Other symptoms: fever, weight changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, cognitive changes), Raynaud’s phenomenon (color changes in fingers and toes in response to cold or stress).
- Impact of SLE on lifestyle, body image, and emotional well-being.
- Patient’s understanding of SLE, treatment plan, and self-management strategies.
Objective Data:
- Physical Examination:
  - Skin assessment: rashes (butterfly rash, discoid lesions), photosensitivity, ulcers, alopecia.
  - Musculoskeletal assessment: joint swelling, tenderness, range of motion, muscle weakness.
  - Cardiovascular assessment: heart rate, blood pressure, edema, signs of pericarditis or myocarditis.
  - Respiratory assessment: respiratory rate, breath sounds, signs of pleuritis or pneumonitis.
  - Neurological assessment: mental status, reflexes, cranial nerve function, signs of central nervous system lupus.
- Diagnostic and Laboratory Findings: Review results of ANA test, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, complement levels, CBC, ESR, CRP, kidney function tests, urine analysis, and other relevant tests.

Nursing Diagnosis

Following a comprehensive assessment, nursing diagnoses are formulated to address the specific needs and challenges of individuals with SLE. These diagnoses are grounded in the nurse’s clinical judgment and understanding of the patient’s condition. Nursing diagnoses provide a framework for organizing care and prioritizing interventions. The following are examples of nursing diagnoses commonly relevant to SLE patients:

Fatigue related to chronic inflammation, pain, disease activity, and medication side effects as evidenced by patient report of overwhelming lack of energy, inability to maintain usual routines, and difficulty concentrating.
Acute Pain related to inflammatory processes affecting joints, muscles, and serous membranes as evidenced by patient report of joint pain, muscle aches, headache, and pleuritic chest pain, and observed guarding behavior.
Impaired Skin Integrity related to SLE-related skin manifestations (rashes, lesions), photosensitivity, and potential medication side effects as evidenced by presence of butterfly rash, discoid lesions, oral ulcers, and patient report of increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Disturbed Body Image related to visible skin manifestations (rashes, alopecia), physical limitations, and chronic illness as evidenced by patient verbalizations of negative feelings about appearance, social withdrawal, and changes in self-perception.
Deficient Knowledge related to lack of information about SLE, disease management, medication regimens, and self-care strategies as evidenced by patient questions about SLE, inaccurate understanding of treatment plan, and expressed difficulty with self-management.
Risk for Infection related to immunosuppression from SLE and medications (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants).
Ineffective Coping related to chronic illness, unpredictable disease course, and impact on lifestyle as evidenced by patient expressions of frustration, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.
Activity Intolerance related to fatigue, pain, and muscle weakness as evidenced by patient report of difficulty performing daily activities, reduced activity levels, and shortness of breath with exertion.

Nursing Goals

Establishing measurable goals is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the lupus nursing diagnosis care plan. Goals and expected outcomes may include:

The client will report a reduction in fatigue levels and demonstrate improved energy levels to participate in desired activities within their limitations.
The client will verbalize effective pain management strategies and report pain at a tolerable level (e.g., less than 3-4 on a 0-10 scale).
The client will maintain skin integrity, as evidenced by the absence of new skin lesions or rashes, and demonstrate proper skin care practices.
The client will express a more positive body image and engage in social interactions without undue self-consciousness related to physical changes.
The client will verbalize understanding of SLE, medication regimen, self-management strategies, and potential complications.
The client will remain free from infection, as evidenced by normal vital signs, absence of signs of infection, and adherence to preventive measures.
The client will demonstrate effective coping mechanisms to manage the challenges of living with SLE and maintain emotional well-being.
The client will participate in activities of daily living to the maximum extent possible, adapting to physical limitations and utilizing assistive devices as needed.

Nursing Interventions and Actions

Therapeutic interventions and nursing actions for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are designed to address the identified nursing diagnoses and achieve the established patient goals.

1. Promoting Skin Integrity

Maintaining skin integrity is paramount in SLE care due to the frequent skin manifestations.

Assess the skin for integrity regularly, noting any lesions, rashes, or areas of breakdown.

Rationale: Early detection of skin problems allows for prompt intervention to prevent complications and promote healing. Small lesions can develop in the oral and nasal mucous membranes. Discoid lesions, appearing as dense maculopapular rashes, may occur on the face or chest.

Assess the client’s description of skin pain or discomfort.

Rationale: Pain assessment helps guide appropriate pain management strategies and differentiate between pain related to skin lesions and other sources. Each client may present with unique pain experiences.

Assess for erythematous rashes, particularly the “butterfly” rash on the face.

Rationale: The classic butterfly rash across the nose and cheeks is a hallmark of SLE, present in about 50% of patients, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.

Assess for photosensitivity and educate the client about sun protection.

Rationale: SLE patients are often highly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can trigger skin rashes and disease flares.

Assess the impact of skin symptoms on the client’s lifestyle and body image.

Rationale: Skin manifestations can significantly affect self-esteem and social interactions. Understanding the psychosocial impact is crucial for holistic care. Body image concerns can range from minimal to significant preoccupation.

Encourage adequate nutrition and hydration to support skin health.

Rationale: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining skin health and promoting healing.

Instruct the client on proper skin care:

Cleanse skin gently with warm (not hot) water and mild, unscented soap.
Pat skin dry and moisturize with unscented lotion, especially after bathing and on bony prominences.
Use mild shampoo and avoid harsh hair products.
Rationale: Gentle skin care minimizes irritation and dryness. Scented lotions may contain alcohol, which can dry the skin. Mild shampoos are less likely to irritate the scalp.

Instruct the client to avoid harsh chemicals and use protective gloves when needed.

Rationale: Chemical irritants can exacerbate skin conditions in SLE.

Recommend prophylactic pressure-relieving devices (e.g., special mattress, elbow pads) for bedridden clients.

Rationale: Pressure-relieving devices prevent skin breakdown, especially over bony prominences.

For skin rashes, emphasize strict sun protection measures:

Wear protective eyewear.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and carry an umbrella when outdoors.
Use maximum protection sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily, even on cloudy days. Sunbathing is contraindicated.
Avoid ultraviolet rays from sunlamps and tanning beds.
Rationale: Sun protection is crucial to prevent rash exacerbation and disease flares. Special lotions, glasses, and protective clothing are essential.

Inform the client about specialized makeup to cover facial rashes.

Rationale: Cosmetics can improve body image and self-confidence by concealing visible rashes. Specially formulated makeup is designed to cover rashes effectively.

Educate about prescribed topical and systemic medications for skin manifestations, such as hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids.

Rationale: Hydroxychloroquine is a slow-acting antimalarial drug that can reduce inflammation and rash. It may take 8-12 weeks to become effective, and requires regular ophthalmologic exams due to potential retinal toxicity. Topical corticosteroids are also used to reduce inflammation.

For oral ulcers:

Instruct the client to avoid spicy or citrusy foods.
Instruct the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use prescribed mouthwashes.
Instruct the client to keep ulcerated skin clean and dry and apply dressings as needed.
Rationale: These measures minimize irritation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers. Spicy and citrusy foods can irritate mucous membranes.

For hair loss (alopecia):

Instruct the client that scalp hair loss can occur during disease flares and may be temporary.
Instruct the client that hair loss can also be a side effect of high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, and may regrow as the dose is reduced.
Encourage the client to explore ways to conceal hair loss (e.g., scarves, hats, wigs) to enhance body image.
Rationale: Addressing hair loss can improve self-image and coping. Hair loss can be emotionally distressing and impact lifestyle.

Alt Text: Discoid lupus rash on the skin, showing characteristic raised, scaly lesions.

2. Managing Acute Pain and Enhancing Comfort

Pain management is a critical component of lupus nursing diagnosis care plan as pain is a common and significant symptom in SLE.

Assess the client’s pain thoroughly: location, intensity, quality, onset, duration, aggravating and relieving factors.

Rationale: Comprehensive pain assessment is essential for developing an individualized pain management plan. Clients often experience arthralgias and morning stiffness.

Assess the impact of pain on the client’s functional abilities, including interpersonal, social, and professional activities.

Rationale: Pain can significantly limit physical activity and quality of life. SLE-related arthritis typically does not cause deformities like rheumatoid arthritis, but functional limitations can still be substantial.

Assess for signs of joint inflammation: warmth, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

Rationale: Inflammation is a key source of pain in SLE. However, typical signs of inflammation may be subtle or absent in some cases.

Assess previous pain management strategies used by the client and their effectiveness.

Rationale: Understanding past pain management experiences helps tailor current strategies. Pain management needs to be adaptable to changing pain patterns and affected joints.

Encourage the use of assistive devices for ambulation when pain is weight-bearing related.

Rationale: Crutches, walkers, or canes reduce stress on painful joints.

Encourage anatomically correct positioning and support for joints.

Rationale: Proper positioning prevents contractures and reduces joint stress. Suggest using a small flat pillow for the head and avoiding knee gatch or pillows under the knees.

Remind the client to avoid prolonged inactivity and encourage regular gentle activity within pain limits.

Rationale: Activity prevents stiffness, joint freezing, and muscle atrophy.

Encourage range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, particularly after warm showers or baths.

Rationale: Warmth reduces stiffness and ROM exercises maintain joint mobility. Perform exercises gently, two repetitions per joint.

Remind the client to allow sufficient time for activities, acknowledging that pain and stiffness can slow them down.

Rationale: Accommodating for pain-related limitations reduces frustration and promotes independence.

Encourage warm showers or baths, especially upon arising, to relieve morning stiffness.

Rationale: Warmth reduces stiffness and pain. Water should be warm, not hot, to prevent skin breakdown.

Encourage the use of splints as prescribed to rest inflamed joints and reduce muscle spasms.

Rationale: Splints provide support and reduce pain in inflamed joints.

Promote nonpharmacological pain management techniques: relaxation, distraction, guided imagery, heat/cold application, massage.

Rationale: Nonpharmacological methods can complement medications and empower patients to manage pain.

Suggest using a bed cradle to keep bed linens off inflamed lower extremities.

Rationale: Bed cradles reduce pressure and discomfort on sensitive areas.

Administer prescribed anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids) and analgesics as ordered.

Rationale: Medications are essential for managing pain and inflammation. Instruct clients to take medications as prescribed, including taking the first dose of the day early with a small snack (for NSAIDs) to reduce morning stiffness. NSAIDs should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Suggest non-opioid analgesics as needed before considering opioids.

Rationale: Non-opioids are preferred for chronic pain management in SLE. Opioids are generally less effective for inflammatory pain and carry risks of dependence.

Consult with occupational therapy for proper splinting and adaptive equipment recommendations.

Rationale: Occupational therapists provide specialized expertise in joint protection and functional adaptations.

Alt Text: Illustration depicting joint pain and inflammation in hands, common in lupus arthritis.

3. Decreasing Fatigue

Fatigue is a pervasive and debilitating symptom in SLE, significantly impacting quality of life.

Assess the client’s fatigue: onset, duration, severity, relationship to activity, aggravating and alleviating factors, and impact on daily life.

Rationale: Understanding fatigue patterns helps in developing individualized management strategies. Fatigue in SLE is often multifactorial, related to disease activity, medications, sleep disturbances, and psychological factors.

Determine if fatigue is related to psychological factors such as stress or depression.

Rationale: Depression is common in chronic illnesses and can exacerbate fatigue. Addressing underlying psychological factors is crucial.

Assess the client’s nighttime sleep pattern and identify any sleep disturbances.

Rationale: Pain and discomfort from SLE can disrupt sleep, contributing to fatigue.

Reinforce energy conservation principles:

Adequate rest periods: Emphasize the importance of respecting the body’s need for rest.
Pacing activities: Alternate activity with rest periods to prevent overexertion.
Proper use of assistive and adaptive devices: Utilize devices to conserve energy and facilitate mobility.
Organization of activities and environment: Organize tasks and surroundings to minimize energy expenditure.
Rationale: Energy conservation strategies help manage fatigue and improve functional capacity. Clients often require more energy to perform tasks compared to healthy individuals.

If fatigue is related to interrupted sleep:

Instruct the client to avoid stimulating foods (caffeine) or activities before bedtime.
Encourage a warm bath or shower before bedtime.
Encourage sleeping in an anatomically correct position and avoiding propping up affected joints.
Encourage progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
Encourage frequent position changes during the night.
Encourage gentle ROM exercises after a warm shower or bath to relax muscles.
Rationale: These measures promote relaxation, improve sleep hygiene, and reduce sleep disturbances. Environmental stimuli can inhibit relaxation and sleep.

Administer prescribed nighttime analgesics or long-acting anti-inflammatory drugs as ordered to improve sleep quality.

Rationale: Pain relief can facilitate rest and sleep, thereby reducing fatigue.

4. Patient Education and Health Teachings

Empowering patients with knowledge is fundamental to successful SLE management and improved outcomes.

Assess the client’s current knowledge about SLE, its management, and potential complications.

Rationale: Identifying knowledge gaps allows for targeted education. Lack of understanding can hinder self-care and coping.

Educate the client about the disease process:

Explain the autoimmune nature of SLE, its chronicity, and the processes of inflammation and fibrosis.
Discuss the unpredictable course of SLE, characterized by remissions and exacerbations.
Emphasize that SLE is a manageable condition, but not curable, focusing on disease control and symptom management.
Rationale: Realistic expectations and understanding of the disease process are crucial for adherence and coping. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, minimize symptoms, and maintain normal body functions. Lifestyle modifications can reduce flare frequency.

Discuss common diagnostic tests used in SLE, such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, ESR, CRP, CBC, kidney function tests, and others.

Rationale: Understanding diagnostic procedures reduces anxiety and promotes informed participation in care.

Provide comprehensive education about drug therapy:

Explain the purpose, dosage, administration, expected effects, and potential side effects of all prescribed medications (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antimalarials, NSAIDs).
Emphasize the importance of medication adherence and regular follow-up appointments.
Rationale: Informed patients are more likely to adhere to medication regimens and manage side effects effectively. See Pharmacologic Management section for details on medications.

Stress the critical importance of not altering steroid doses or abruptly stopping steroid medications.

Rationale: Abrupt steroid cessation can lead to adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis). Steroids must be tapered gradually under medical supervision. Long-term steroid use suppresses the body’s natural cortisol production.

Instruct the client to monitor for signs of infection and fever and report them promptly to the healthcare provider.

Rationale: Immunosuppression increases infection risk. Fever is a common SLE symptom, but can also indicate infection. Clients taking aspirin should have liver function monitored due to potential toxicity.

Educate the client about lifestyle modifications to reduce flare-ups:

Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Engage in regular, moderate exercise as tolerated.
Strictly avoid sun exposure and UV light.
Ensure adequate rest and sleep.
Manage stress effectively.
Rationale: Healthy lifestyle choices can positively impact disease activity and overall well-being. A proactive approach empowers patients to manage their chronic condition.

Provide information about relevant clinical trials and research opportunities.

Rationale: Clinical trials offer access to new treatments and hope for improved outcomes.

Instruct the client about support groups and reputable online resources for SLE.

Rationale: Support groups provide emotional support, peer learning, and valuable coping strategies. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can be beneficial.

5. Pharmacologic Support and Medication Administration

Medications are cornerstone of SLE management, aimed at controlling inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune system.

Administer prescribed medications accurately and monitor for therapeutic effects and side effects.

Rationale: Close monitoring ensures medication safety and effectiveness.

Antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine):

Used for skin and joint symptoms.
Educate about potential but rare side effects, including retinal toxicity, requiring regular ophthalmologic exams (every 6 months).
Advise clients to report any visual disturbances.
Inform about potential mild gastrointestinal disturbances.
Rationale: Antimalarials are effective for milder SLE symptoms, but require monitoring for retinal toxicity.

Corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone):

Used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Educate about common side effects: facial puffiness, weight gain, mood changes, increased appetite, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, cataracts, increased infection risk.
Emphasize the importance of taking corticosteroids as prescribed and never stopping abruptly.
Discuss strategies to minimize side effects, such as dietary modifications and calcium/vitamin D supplementation.
Rationale: Corticosteroids are highly effective but have significant side effects that require careful management and patient education. Topical corticosteroids are used for skin problems, while oral prednisone is used for more systemic involvement.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 inhibitors:

Used for pain and inflammation relief.
Instruct clients to take NSAIDs with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress.
Educate about potential GI side effects (stomach upset, ulcers, bleeding) and cardiovascular risks (with some NSAIDs).
Rationale: NSAIDs help manage pain and inflammation, but GI side effects are common.

Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide):

Used to suppress the immune system in more severe SLE, especially with organ involvement.
Educate about the increased risk of infection due to bone marrow suppression.
Discuss other potential side effects: nausea, vomiting, sterility, hemorrhagic cystitis (cyclophosphamide), increased cancer risk (long-term use of some agents).
Emphasize the need for regular blood tests to monitor for bone marrow suppression and other side effects.
Rationale: Immunosuppressants are crucial for controlling severe SLE, but carry significant risks requiring close monitoring.

6. Monitoring Diagnostic and Laboratory Results

Regular monitoring of diagnostic and laboratory procedures is essential for assessing disease activity, organ involvement, and treatment effectiveness.

1. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test:

Explain that a positive ANA test is common in SLE but not specific to SLE alone.
Rationale: ANA is a screening test for autoimmune diseases, positive in most SLE cases, but further testing is needed for diagnosis.

2. Anti-Double-Stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) Antibody Test and 3. Anti-Smith (anti-Sm) Antibody Test:

Explain that these tests are more specific for SLE and help confirm the diagnosis.
Rationale: Anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies are more specific markers for SLE and can also reflect disease activity.

4. Complement Component Tests (C3, C4, CH50):

Explain that decreased complement levels can indicate active SLE.
Rationale: Complement proteins are consumed during active SLE, leading to decreased levels.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

Monitor for anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, which are common in SLE.
Rationale: SLE can affect blood cell production, leading to these abnormalities.

6. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP):

Explain that elevated ESR and CRP levels indicate inflammation and can reflect disease activity.
Rationale: ESR and CRP are general markers of inflammation and are often elevated in active SLE.

7. Kidney Function Tests (urine analysis, proteinuria, BUN, creatinine):

Monitor kidney function regularly to detect lupus nephritis.
Rationale: Kidney involvement is a serious complication of SLE. Urine analysis and blood tests assess kidney function.

8. Imaging Studies (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans):

Explain that imaging studies may be used to evaluate organ involvement (joints, lungs, heart, etc.).
Rationale: Imaging helps assess specific organ damage or complications.

9. Biopsy (kidney biopsy, skin biopsy):

Explain that biopsies may be needed to confirm organ involvement, especially lupus nephritis, or to diagnose skin conditions.
Rationale: Biopsies provide definitive diagnosis and staging of organ involvement.

7. Assessing and Monitoring for Potential Complications

Early detection and management of potential complications are crucial in SLE.

1. Regularly assess and monitor for signs and symptoms of disease activity and flares.

Rationale: Early identification of flares allows for timely intervention to prevent organ damage. Monitor for joint pain, rashes, fatigue, fever, and organ-specific symptoms. Review medical history and conduct physical exams regularly.

2. Monitor renal function closely and assess for signs of lupus nephritis.

Rationale: Lupus nephritis is a major complication. Monitor urine output, proteinuria, and renal function tests. Prompt detection enables timely nephrology referral.

3. Assess skin condition regularly for new rashes, lesions, or photosensitivity.

Rationale: Skin manifestations are common and require ongoing assessment and management. Document and report any changes to the healthcare provider.

4. Monitor medication adherence and assess for medication side effects.

Rationale: Adherence is essential for treatment effectiveness. Regularly assess for side effects and report them promptly for medication adjustments.

5. Provide ongoing psychological and emotional support and assess for mental health concerns.

Rationale: Chronic illness impacts mental health. Assess psychological state and provide emotional support. Encourage expression of concerns and facilitate referrals for counseling or support groups as needed.

Alt Text: Infographic illustrating potential organ complications of systemic lupus erythematosus, including kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and skin.

Recommended Resources

For further information and resources on lupus nursing diagnosis care plan and SLE management, consider these recommended books and organizations:

Ackley and Ladwig’s Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care (Amazon Affiliate Link) – An excellent resource for evidence-based nursing care planning.
Nursing Care Plans – Nursing Diagnosis & Intervention (10th Edition) (Amazon Affiliate Link) – Comprehensive care plans with updated guidelines.
Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (Amazon Affiliate Link) – Quick reference for nursing diagnoses and interventions.
Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (Amazon Affiliate Link) – Detailed manual for planning and documenting client care.
All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource – E-Book: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (Amazon Affiliate Link) – A broad resource covering various nursing specialties.
Lupus Foundation of America (LFA): www.lupus.org – A leading organization for lupus information, support, and research.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): www.niams.nih.gov – Provides reliable information about lupus and other rheumatic diseases.

Disclaimer: This nursing care plan is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

See also:

Fatigue Nursing Care Plan
Pain Management Nursing Care Plan
Skin Integrity Nursing Care Plan