This article is available to members for free.

Goal: To discuss the pathophysiology of lupus nephritis and to present important elements of the diagnostic approach to and management of patients with lupus nephritis.

Objectives:

Describe the pathophysiology of lupus nephritis in the nephron in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Identify clinical, laboratory, and pathology findings that aid in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.
Describe the basis for and implications of the various elements of collaborative management for patients with lupus nephritis.

Acknowledgment: The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Larry Lancaster, clinical instructor in the acute care nurse practitioner program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, for his encouragement and patience in the preparation of this manuscript.

Brenda L. Spurbeck MSN, RN

Appearances