Which of the following are autoimmune diseases?

DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs throughout the body.
Since both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and SLE are autoimmune diseases, the option that includes both is the most complete and correct answer.

Option A: Heart disease is a broad category of conditions. The most common types, like coronary artery disease, are caused by factors like atherosclerosis, not a primary autoimmune attack. It is not classified as an autoimmune disease itself.
Option B: While Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a correct example of an autoimmune disease, this option is incomplete because Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is also an autoimmune disease listed in the options.
Option C: While Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a correct example of an autoimmune disease, this option is incomplete because Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also an autoimmune disease listed in the options.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and classification of autoimmune diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand the difference between organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases as the signs, symptoms, and nursing assessments will vary significantly.
Patients with one autoimmune disease are at an increased risk of developing another. Nurses should be vigilant in assessing for new symptoms.
Patient education is a key nursing role, including teaching about the chronic nature of the disease, medication adherence, and recognizing signs of a flare-up.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. Here, the question asks to identify autoimmune diseases.
Evaluate each option independently. Assess whether 'Heart disease', 'Hashimoto's thyroiditis', and 'Systemic lupus erythematosus' are autoimmune diseases.
Recall or deduce that Hashimoto's and SLE are classic examples of autoimmune diseases.
Recognize that 'Heart disease' is a broad, non-specific term and generally not classified as an autoimmune disorder.
Since two options (B and C) are correct, look for a composite option that includes both.
Select the option 'Both B and C' as it is the most complete and accurate answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 726-728

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 666-668

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 228-230