Pathophysiologic Mechanisms

A 42 year old African American female with pain in her hands and knees and a flat red rash on the cheeks of her face presents to your office. She states she has noticed these symptoms over the past 8 years or so and attributed them to her exercise routines and being out in the sun. She always uses sunscreen but the rash still occurs now and then. The medical history is positive for hypertension. The medications she takes for the hypertension changed a few years ago from hydralazine to lisinopril but there has been no difference in the reported symptoms after this change. You order labs and diagnose her with systemic lupus erythematosus. •Differentiate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and transient lupus-like syndrome. •Discuss the history and labs that would help diagnose and differentiate SLE. •Describe how you would differentiate SLE from Fibromyalgia. •Provide information for patient education for this patient. -Cite current research findings, national guidelines, and expert opinions and controversies found in the medical and nursing literature to support your position.