Lupus: What's it all about?

~ Exam ~

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This test has 50 questions.

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1. Lupus can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease that affects different parts of the body.
  a. True
  b. False
2. Lupus is causes by a virus or virus cluster of viral influences.
  a. True
  b. False
3. Lupus is difficult to diagnosis because of its changing and contradictory symptoms.
  a. True
  b. False
4. Most people with lupus have experienced the big four symptoms: exhaustion; pain, usually in the joints; sun sensitivity; and red rash.
  a. True
  b. False
5. The malar rash appears over the bridge of the nose and across both cheeks resembling a butterfly.
  a. True
  b. False
6. Lupus is an acute auto-immune disease in which the immune system’s effectiveness against disease is increased.
  a. True
  b. False
7. Ninety percent of lupus patients are women after menopause.
  a. True
  b. False
8. Any exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays, such as those reflected off sidewalks, sand, or snow, are harmful.
  a. True
  b. False
9. The sun's rays stimulate the production of auto-antibodies, which activates lupus.
  a. True
  b. False
10. Lupus patients can be outside on cloudy days without long-sleeved shirts, sun hats or gloves, without fear of sun exposure.
  a. True
  b. False
11. Lupus pain may be sharp, steady ache, or burning sensation especially in the joints of the hands and the fingers.
  a. True
  b. False
12. Even with early treatment, lupus patients usually lose kidney function.
  a. True
  b. FALSE
13. Just before menstruation, symptoms will lessen.
  a. True
  b. False
14. Half of all lupus patients have a low white count and/or low platelets, which indicates a chronic, active disease.
  a. True
  b. False
15. Blood chemistry is only used to assess the presence or absence of infection.
  a. True
  b. False
16. A lupus work-up includes CBC, anti-DS DNA, UA and ANA.
  a. True
  b. False
17. The titer of the ANA gives an indication of the severity of the patient's disease.
  a. True
  b. False
18. Anti-Smith and anti-DS DNA are used to predict which organ systems may become endangered from lupus.
  a. True
  b. False
19. A false positive serologic test for syphilis is an almost sure sign that the patient does not have lupus.
  a. True
  b. False
20. A urinalysis is enough to diagnose lupus nephritis.
  a. True
  b. False
21. "Cotton wool spots" are caused by vasculitis, and are located on the kidneys.
  a. True
  b. False
22. NSAIDs such as Lodine, Disalcid, and Trilisate, are mild medications used to treat joint pain.
  a. True
  b. False
23. Naprosyn, Feldene, and Indocin can be associated with GI bleeding, bruising, or kidney damage.
  a. True
  b. False
24. NSAIDs have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits along with slowing the progression of the disease.
  a. True
  b. False
25. Common side effects of NSAIDs include headaches, vomiting, and kidney damage.
  a. True
  b. False
26. People with kidney problems cannot take NSAIDS.
  a. True
  b. False
27. Anti- malarils cannot be taken with prednisone and anti-inflammatories, including aspirin.
  a. True
  b. False
28. Anti-marlarils can be prescribed for skin rashes, joint pain and to slow the progression of the disease.
  a. True
  b. False
29. A common side effect of Plaquenil is retinal damage.
  a. True
  b. False
30. Steroids treat symptoms, pain and inflammation, along with suppressing the disease itself.
  a. True
  b. False
31. In SLE myositis, steroids are given initially and gradually increased for suppression and control of the myositis.
  a. True
  b. False
32. Patients with myositis need to limit exercise to decrease the chance of injuring joints.
  a. True
  b. False
33. Prednisone is similar to corticosteroids produced by the adrenal glands. A. TRUE B. FALSE*
  a. True
  b. False
34. An abrupt discontinuation of prednisone does not matter because the body produces steroids continuously, whether taking steroids or not.
  a. True
  b. False
35. Prednisone can cause insomnia and should be taken with a sleep medication one hour before bedtime.
  a. True
  b. False
36. Major side effects of Prednisone include depression, muscle weakness, atrophy in both legs and arms, increased risk of infection, facial hair, and fat deposits in the abdomen, hips, back, and neck.
  a. True
  b. False
37. Cytoxin or Imuran is prescribed when there is serious organ involvement such as severe kidney disease.
  a. True
  b. False
38. Cytoxin and Imuran are used in conjunction with NSAIDs or steroids.
  a. True
  b. False
39. Chemotherapeutic drugs have side effects such as damage to blood cells and increased susceptibility to infections and cancer.
  a. True
  b. False
40. Etidronate or didronel is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in association with steroidal treatment.
  a. True
  b. False
41. Depression often accompanies lupus.
  a. True
  b. False
42. Anti-depressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, alleviate depression, but often decrease energy and increase fatigue.
  a. True
  b. False
43. Side effects associated with anti-depressants include blurred vision, tremors, palpitations, excessive weight gain, and agitation.
  a. True
  b. False
44. Anti-depressants should be stopped immediately if side effects are exhibited.
  a. True
  b. False
45. New-age or alternative treatments should be used in conjunction with traditional medicine.
  a. True
  b. False
46. Patients with lupus need to eat well and take vitamin and mineral supplements.
  a. True
  b. False
47. Women, who have lupus and want to get pregnant, should increase the dosage of the medication taken for lupus while pregnant.
  a. True
  b. False
48. Women who are at risk of giving birth to neo-natal lupus babies can be identified and steps taken to treat a common complication, heart block, if it occurs.
  a. True
  b. False
49. The greatest tool a health professional has is the ability to listen attentively and compassionately to the patient’s story.
  a. True
  b. False
50. Treatment needs to fit the level of the disease by balancing the risks of untreated lupus against the risks of the medication.
  a. True
  b. False