title: Managing organ-threatening systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, usually life-long, and potentially fatal autoimmune musculoskeletal condition. The involvement of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system, and hematologic complications increase morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the medical-surgical nurse must understand the disease process and treatment modalities when assessing and developing a plan of care for the patient and family.
authors.affiliation: Amarillo College, Amarillo, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Pullen
authors.forename: Jan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cannon
authors.forename: Jill D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rushing
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*