During an admission assessment, the nurse notices that the patient has a small rash across the nose and cheeks that resembles the shape of a butterfly, and laboratory results show they have severe anemia. What is the most likely cause of these clinical manifestations?

Question

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The patient with a small, butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks and laboratory results that show severe anemia is most likely suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus. A butterfly-shaped rash across the nose is one of the most characteristic signs of this autoimmune disease. The patient with severe anemia may need to have the surgical procedure put on hold until the condition resolves, depending on the type of procedure. Other symptoms the nurse may see that are associated with lupus include fever, weight loss, pleurisy and thrombocytopenia.

During an Admission Assessment, the Nurse Notices That the Patient