Exam 4 Review Questions & Answers_ Latest 2026-2027.
1. A nurse is assessing a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which finding
should the nurse recognize as the major sign of an exacerbation?
A. Bradycardia
B. Fever
C. Constipation
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Fever
Rationale: The study guide identifies fever as the major sign of an SLE exacerbation.
2. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of the malar rash associated with SLE?
A. Dark lesions involving the palms
B. Vesicles over the trunk
C. A red, flat or raised rash over the cheeks that spares the nasolabial folds
D. Large fluid-filled blisters on the extremities
Correct Answer: C. A red, flat or raised rash over the cheeks that spares the nasolabial
folds
Rationale: The study guide describes the malar or “butterfly” rash as occurring over the cheeks
while sparing the nasolabial folds.
3. Which complication is identified in the study material as the leading cause of death
associated with SLE?
A. Lupus nephritis
B. Alopecia
C. Polyarthritis
D. Oral ulcers
Correct Answer: A. Lupus nephritis
Rationale: SLE is described as having significant renal involvement, with lupus nephritis
identified as the leading cause of death.
4. A client with SLE is prescribed long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Which statement
demonstrates correct understanding?
A. “I should take the medication immediately before sleep.”
B. “I should avoid calcium while taking this medication.”
,C. “I should take it only when my rash becomes worse.”
D. “I should take the medication in the morning before breakfast.”
Correct Answer: D. “I should take the medication in the morning before breakfast.”
Rationale: The guide specifically instructs clients receiving glucocorticoids to take them in the
morning before breakfast.
5. Which diagnostic test is described as the most sensitive for SLE but not specific for the
disease?
A. Serum potassium
B. Serum amylase
C. ANA
D. PT/INR
Correct Answer: C. ANA
Rationale: ANA is identified as the most sensitive test, although antinuclear antibodies are not
specific to SLE.
6. A nurse teaches a client with SLE about protecting the skin. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. “I should use drying powder regularly.”
B. “Fluorescent lighting cannot affect my disease.”
C. “I should deliberately increase my sun exposure.”
D. “I should wear protective clothing and use SPF 30 or greater.”
Correct Answer: D. “I should wear protective clothing and use SPF 30 or greater.”
Rationale: Limiting ultraviolet exposure, wearing long sleeves and a large-brimmed hat, and
using SPF 30+ are recommended.
7. Which medication used for SLE requires frequent eye examinations?
A. Doxycycline
B. Epinephrine
C. Hydroxychloroquine
D. Acetazolamide
Correct Answer: C. Hydroxychloroquine
Rationale: The guide instructs clients taking hydroxychloroquine to have an eye examination
before treatment and approximately every six months.
, 8. A client with systemic sclerosis has esophageal involvement. Which nursing intervention
is appropriate?
A. Place the client flat immediately after eating.
B. Keep the head of the bed elevated about 60 degrees during meals and for at least an hour
afterward.
C. Encourage large meals three times daily.
D. Encourage unrestricted caffeine intake.
Correct Answer: B. Keep the head of the bed elevated about 60 degrees during meals
and for at least an hour afterward.
Rationale: Elevating the HOB during and after meals is recommended because systemic
sclerosis commonly causes esophageal dysmotility and GERD.
9. Which manifestation is identified as the first symptom of diffuse cutaneous systemic
sclerosis?
A. Hand and forearm edema
B. Severe diarrhea
C. Hematuria
D. Visual changes
Correct Answer: A. Hand and forearm edema
Rationale: The guide identifies edema of the hands and forearms, with or without bilateral
carpal tunnel syndrome, as an early manifestation.
10. In CREST syndrome, the letter “E” represents which disorder?
A. Edema
B. Erythema
C. Esophageal dysmotility
D. Endocarditis
Correct Answer: C. Esophageal dysmotility
Rationale: CREST includes calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility,
sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.
11. Which manifestation of CREST syndrome is generally the first to develop?
A. Calcinosis
B. Raynaud’s phenomenon
C. Telangiectasia
D. Sclerodactyly
, Correct Answer: B. Raynaud’s phenomenon
Rationale: The uploaded study guide specifically identifies Raynaud’s phenomenon as the first
CREST symptom.
12. A nurse is caring for a client with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Which
intervention should be questioned?
A. Encouraging gloves during cold weather
B. Applying ice packs to painful fingers
C. Avoiding cigarettes
D. Reducing caffeine intake
Correct Answer: B. Applying ice packs to painful fingers
Rationale: Cold exposure causes vasoconstriction in Raynaud’s phenomenon and should be
avoided.
13. Which medication is listed for reducing renal complications associated with systemic
sclerosis?
A. Acetazolamide
B. Allopurinol
C. Epinephrine
D. ACE inhibitor
Correct Answer: D. ACE inhibitor
Rationale: ACE inhibitors and blood pressure control are identified as measures for reducing
renal complications.
14. Which assessment finding is the most common manifestation of fibromyalgia according
to the study guide?
A. Fatigue
B. Hematuria
C. Jaundice
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A. Fatigue
Rationale: Fatigue is specifically identified as the most common manifestation of fibromyalgia.
15. Which exercise recommendation is appropriate for a client with fibromyalgia?