A postpartum patient with systemic lupus erythematosus asks why symptoms of the disease are worse now that the baby has been born. What should the nurse explain to the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the postpartum period, there may be an acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms because corticosteroid levels are returning to normal.
Symptoms are not increased because the fetus was keeping the symptoms in check. The stress of delivery is not causing the symptoms to increase. The symptoms are not because of a spike in maternal hormone levels.

A Postpartum Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Asks Why Symptoms