(^158) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
PROGNOSIS
Scleroderma is a progressive disease causing early death, especially in those patients
with diffuse disease. Organ damage indicates an earlier demise; those with limited
organ involvement have longer life expectancies.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Stiffness and pain due to the fibrosis
- Skin thickens
- Edema, malaise, and fever
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Positive antinuclear antibody.
- Dermis appears thickened in skin biopsy.
TREATMENT
Treatment is based on treating the patient’s symptoms to ensure comfort. No known
medications are able to stop the disease. Various medications may be used to treat
the symptoms of the affected organs caused by scleroderma.- Physical therapy to maintain joint mobility.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Impaired physical mobility
- Impaired skin integrity
- Pain
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor for increasing blood pressure, which is the leading cause of death to
scleroderma patients due to the renal effects of the disease.