Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Quiz: Ace Your Exams

A 60-year-old man comes to the clinic because of a one-week history of joint pains in both of the hands, which he describes as being achy and stiff. The patient also feels fatigued and feverish at times, and he has recently started noticing chest pains when he sneezes. Medical history includes hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and plaque psoriasis. Current medications include aspirin, atorvastatin, carvedilol, and etanercept. The patient’s temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 72/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 125/85 mmHg. Physical examination shows salmon-colored, scaly plaques over both elbows, and mildly tender proximal interphalangeal joints in both hands. Normal heart sounds are heard on auscultation of the heart, and normal breath sounds are heard without egophony or tactile fremitus. The chest is non-tender on palpation. Which of the following will most likely be found in this patient’s blood?