Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Systemic sclerosis involves three pathologic processes: vasculopathy (endothelial damage causing Raynaud's and digital ischemia), immune activation (autoantibodies and T-cell infiltration), and fibrosis (excessive collagen deposition in skin, lungs, heart, and GI tract). The fibrotic process replaces normal tissue architecture with dense collagen, impairing organ function. Connect Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.