The bite of a wolf: systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that occurs in people who have an aberrant immune system; it affects most major organ systems. People with SLE vacillate between periods of remission and exacerbation, with symptoms of fatigue and chronic pain, and experience disturbances in self-concept. SLE no longer has the high mortality rate of past years due to improved diagnostic tests that allow for earlier detection and treatment. SLE is a complex disease that affects the individual and the family. Rehabilitation nurses should use a holistic approach to treat altered functional ability and help individuals adjust to lifestyle changes associated with chronic illness and/or disability. Nurses with specialized rehabilitation knowledge and skill can help individuals with SLE realize and reach their optimal level of functioning, and thus improve their quality of life.

Stress management with SCI clients.

A spinal cord injury is a devastating event that totally disrupts a person's life. Stress management is an important consideration for individuals who have experienced a major loss. A program was developed to teach spinal cord injury clients the basic factors of stress and relaxation techniques to facilitate adaptation to their injury, as well as to help them deal with the daily frustrations of rehabilitation and disability. The stress management program was presented twice during an eight-week period to two different groups of spinal cord injury clients. The program was designed to be taught in conjunction with the formal training of the Spinal Injury Learning Series (SILS). Based on the data collected and the supported continuation of the program, it would appear that the program was beneficial to the participants.