What should a nurse monitor in a patient receiving prednisone for SLE?

Monitoring renal function in a patient receiving prednisone for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is crucial due to the potential renal complications associated with both the disease and the corticosteroid treatment. SLE can cause a variety of renal manifestations, including lupus nephritis, which can lead to increased serum creatinine levels, proteinuria, and other signs of renal impairment. Prednisone, while effective in managing the inflammatory processes of SLE, may also influence fluid retention, blood pressure changes, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which can impact kidney function.

Regular assessment of renal function, typically through blood tests measuring serum creatinine and urinalysis for proteinuria, allows nurses to detect any deterioration in kidney health early on. This proactive approach is important because timely intervention can help prevent further complications, such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, which can arise if renal issues are not closely monitored.

While it is important to monitor other parameters such as oral temperature for fever potentially indicating infection and cardiac rhythm due to corticosteroid side effects like hypertension and possible arrhythmias, the direct impact of SLE on renal function makes this monitoring particularly critical in the context of this question.