Progressive systemic sclerosis: Part 2--Nursing management.

Multiple body systems can be affected by scleroderma. Satisfactory coping and life-style alterations will depend on numerous factors, including the nature and extent of organ involvement, individual coping style, and health professional services provided. Because of the low incidence of this disease, nurses may have little knowledge about the nursing management. Because of the nature of the disease's complications, the nephrology or dialysis nurse may care for more scleroderma patients than other hospital nurses.