Sample interview questions: Can you explain your knowledge of the potential complications and interventions for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Sample answer:
- Potential Complications of SLE:
1. Musculoskeletal Complications:
– Inflammatory arthritis: pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints.
– Muscle pain and weakness: due to inflammation and damage to muscle tissue.
– Osteoporosis: decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
– Avascular necrosis: death of bone tissue due to interrupted blood supply, often affecting the hip or knee.
2. Renal Complications:
– Lupus nephritis: inflammation of the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and impaired kidney function.
– End-stage renal disease (ESRD): severe kidney damage requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
3. Cardiovascular Complications:
– Accelerated atherosclerosis: increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
– Pericarditis: inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
– Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle.
– Libman-Sacks endocarditis: verrucous vegetations on heart valves, potentially leading to heart failure.
4. Neurological Complications:
– Central nervous system (CNS) lupus: inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, causing seizures, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms.
– Transverse myelitis: inflammation of the spinal cord, leading to weakness, sensory loss, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
5. Hematological Complications:
– Anemia: decreased red blood cell production or increased destruction.
– Leukopenia: decreased white blood cell count, increasing susceptibility to infections.
– Thrombocytopenia: decreased platelet count, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
6. Pulmonary Complications:
– Pleuritis: inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs, causing chest pain and shortness of breath.
– Interstitial lung disease: inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath and impaired gas exchange.
7. Cutaneous Complications:
– Malar rash: butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
– Discoid rash: round or oval red patches with raised borders, often on sun-exposed areas.
– Photosensitivity: increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, causing rashes and sunburn.
8. Gastrointestinal Complications:
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