A 62-year-old patient is hospitalized for onset of diffuse erythema of his upper body with periorbital edema.The physician suspects dermatomyositis.In planning care for the patient,what should the nurse anticipate that the collaborative care of the patient will involve?

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The presence of diffuse erythema and periorbital edema suggest dermatomyositis, an auto-immune disorder that involves skin and muscle inflammation. The treatment of choice is high-dose corticosteroids to suppress inflammation and preserve muscle function. Instillation of artificial tears may be necessary for patients with dry eyes, but it is not specific to dermatomyositis. Local steroid injections may help reduce inflammation in skin lesions, but they are not sufficient for managing the systemic nature of the disease. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is not routinely done for dermatomyositis as it primarily affects the skin and muscles, not the central nervous system.

A 62-Year-Old Patient Is Hospitalized for Onset of Diffuse Erythema