Which symptoms would be expected in a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

A client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often presents with a variety of symptoms resulting from the autoimmune nature of the disease. Fever is commonly observed in SLE and is frequently one of the manifestations during a lupus flare. The body's immune system is activated, leading to systemic inflammation, which can cause a low-grade fever.

In SLE, fever can indicate active disease or an acute inflammatory response. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess fever in the context of other symptoms, as it can also suggest the presence of infections in immunocompromised patients, which SLE patients may be due to both the disease and certain immunosuppressive treatments.

In contrast, weight gain and increased energy are not typically associated with SLE. Patients often experience fatigue and may have weight loss due to systemic illness or steroid use, which can also lead to weight gain. Joint stiffness is indeed a symptom of SLE, but it was not the best representative symptom to indicate active disease compared to fever. Therefore, fever stands out as a hallmark indicator of the inflammatory processes taking place in SLE.