SLE is an example of?

PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a quintessential systemic autoimmune disease.
The core pathology involves the immune system losing self-tolerance and producing autoantibodies that attack the body's own healthy tissues.
This process leads to the formation and deposition of immune complexes, causing widespread inflammation and damage to multiple organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.
The presence of various autoantibodies, especially antinuclear antibodies (ANA), is a hallmark diagnostic feature of SLE.

Option A: A communicable disease is infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. SLE is an internal dysfunction of the immune system and is not caused by a pathogen, so it cannot be spread.
Option C: A hemolytic disease is primarily defined by the destruction of red blood cells. While autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be a serious complication of SLE, it is only one of many possible manifestations. The disease itself is classified as autoimmune due to its underlying mechanism and systemic nature, not just by this single potential outcome.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct classification for SLE is available among the choices. SLE is well-established and defined as an autoimmune disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in managing patients with SLE by educating them on the chronic nature of the disease, the importance of medication adherence (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants), and strategies to manage symptoms and prevent flares.
Patient education should emphasize avoiding triggers, such as ultraviolet light (sun exposure), and managing fatigue, which is a common and debilitating symptom.
What if? If a patient being treated with hydroxychloroquine (a common SLE medication) reports new-onset blurred vision or changes in color vision, the nurse must recognize this as a potential sign of retinal toxicity. The priority action is to advise the patient to stop the medication and seek an immediate ophthalmologic evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'SLE' (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).
This is a factual recall question that requires you to know the fundamental classification of this disease.
Access your knowledge base about common medical conditions. Recall that 'auto-' means 'self', and the core problem in diseases like SLE is an immune attack on the self.
Evaluate each option: 'Communicable' means infectious (incorrect). 'Hemolytic' refers to red blood cell destruction (a possible symptom, but not the core disease category). 'Autoimmune' refers to the immune system attacking the body (correct).
Conclude that 'Autoimmune disease' is the most accurate and comprehensive classification for SLE among the given choices.

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