Nursing care of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus is one of the connective tissue systemic diseases that is caused by direction of the immune system in an organism against cells and tissues of its own body, which is commonly called autoimmunity. In the course of the disease, many organs and tissues are damaged. The disease is characterised by many symptoms, a very diverse course, and periods of exacerbation and remission. Systemic lupus erythematosus can have quite a mild course, but there are also severe forms, even life-threatening. Aim of the study was to show the clinical aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus, its causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment and prevention, as well as the planning nursing care of a sick person.

Material and methods
The work was based on the method of a case study: a patient suffering from SLE for 17 years, in whom analysis of medical records, casebook, observation sheets, and the results of diagnostic tests as well as the anamnesis and observation of the patient were used. To assess the patient’s state the following scales were used: VAS, Tinetti, GDS, and Barthel, as well as measurements of BP, pulse, and temperature.

Results
On the basis of the analysis of documentation, anamnesis, observations, and measurements, the patient care process was developed, defining diagnoses and objectives, and nursing activities were planned.

Conclusions
Individualised nursing care carried out on the basis of a detailed diagnosis contributed to the improvement of the patient’s comfort of life and the improvement of her mental and social functioning.