MYOSITIS-ASSOCIATED INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF NURSING ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND PATIENT EDUCATION

Background: Myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (M-ILD) is a clinically important pulmonary manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Pulmonary involvement may range from asymptomatic radiological abnormalities to progressive respiratory impairment and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). The unpredictable clinical course, combined with muscle weakness, fatigue, dysphagia, reduced mobility, and treatment-related complications, creates substantial challenges for comprehensive patient care. Objective: This narrative review aims to describe M-ILD with particular emphasis on nursing assessment, nursing management, patient safety, rehabilitation, and patient and family education. Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted. The clinical framework was developed from the existing manuscript and supplemented with contemporary evidence and professional guidance concerning ILD associated with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Particular attention was given to respiratory assessment, pulmonary monitoring, pharmacological treatment, supportive care, functional impairment, dysphagia, infection prevention, rehabilitation, and patient education. This article is presented as a narrative review and does not report fabricated systematic-review screening numbers or PRISMA study-selection data. Results: M-ILD requires continuous assessment because pulmonary disease may precede or occur independently of clinically prominent muscle disease. Nurses have an important role in identifying changes in respiratory status, monitoring oxygenation, assessing dyspnea and exercise tolerance, recognizing functional decline, supporting diagnostic procedures, administering prescribed therapies, monitoring adverse effects, preventing infection, assessing aspiration risk, promoting nutrition and mobility, and providing psychological support. Patient education is essential for medication adherence, oxygen safety, infection prevention, energy conservation, rehabilitation, follow-up, and recognition of warning signs. Conclusion: Nursing care is an integral component of multidisciplinary M-ILD management. A structured nursing approach combining respiratory surveillance, functional assessment, complication prevention, rehabilitation, patient education, and continuity of care can promote patient safety, self-management, functional independence, and quality of life.