What systemic issues can lupus affect beyond the skin?

Lupus, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is known for its ability to affect multiple organ systems throughout the body, making it a systemic disease. When discussing the manifestations of lupus beyond the skin, it's crucial to recognize that the condition can involve the joints, kidneys, and several other systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and hematological systems.

The reason the chosen answer is correct is that lupus is multifaceted in its impact. Joint involvement is common, often leading to arthritis or arthralgia. The kidneys are also frequently affected, with lupus nephritis being a serious complication that can cause significant renal impairment. Beyond these, lupus can potentially lead to complications involving the heart (such as pericarditis or myocarditis), lungs (like pleuritis or inflammation of the lungs), the central nervous system (which can manifest as seizures or psychosis), and blood disorders (like anemia or thrombocytopenia).

Other choices, which limit the impact of lupus to specific systems (like only the kidneys, only the heart and lungs, or exclusively blood cells), do not encompass the full breadth of the disease's systemic implications. This understanding emphasizes the complexity of lupus and reinforces the necessity for comprehensive assessment and