A new patient arrives at the clinic. The physician is suspecting that the patient may have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) given the clinical manifestations related to joint pain, skin changes, and a history of pleural effusions. The nurse should anticipate which of the following diagnostic test will be a priority to facilitate with the diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ninety-five percent of people with untreated SLE have high ANA levels. However, ANA is not specific for SLE. The anti-DNA antibody test is more specific for the diagnosis of SLE. Hemoglobin may be low if the patient has severe anemia, but it is not specific for SLE. C-reactive protein will show an inflammatory response but again not specific for SLE.

A New Patient Arrives at the Clinic