Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

What type of autoimmune disease is Systemic Lupus Erythematosis?

1. Connective tissue disorder

2. Endocrine disorder

3. Neurological disorder

4. Musculoskeletal disorder

The correct answer is: Connective tissue disorder

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is classified as a connective tissue disorder because it primarily affects the body's connective tissues, which include skin, joints, and various organs. In SLE, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces autoantibodies that attack healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Connective tissues serve as the foundation for organs and provide structural support throughout the body. The widespread nature of SLE allows it to impact multiple systems, often resulting in symptoms that can affect the skin (like rashes), joints (causing arthritis), blood vessels, and internal organs (such as kidneys and the heart). While it may have implications on endocrine function or involve neurological symptoms, its primary classification as a connective tissue disorder is based on the fundamental involvement of the body's connective tissues in its pathophysiology.