Random Fact Throwing: Obscure Diseases/Facts Edition :)

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Specializes in SICU.

Since the original RFT thread was such a hit, I thought I'd start one for the RANDOMEST OF THE RANDOMS !! This thread is not for the "horses", it's for the ZEBRAS - the obscure, random, uncommon, rare diseases or facts that may pop up on NCLEX . So no facts about HTN, ESRD, CHF, etc...those are way too commonplace. I'm talking about Zollinger-Ellision Syndrome, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Kawasaki, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Good Pastures, Sjoren's, Pemphigus Vulgaris...get my drift ? :) Ok lemme start:

Pemphigus Vulgaris: An IMMUNE condition. Occurs btw middle and old age, unknown etiology, potientially fatal. Initial lesions on oral mucosa then spread and become generalized. Blisters, crusts, bullae, malaise, pain, chewing and swallowing difficulties, foul smelling discharge from skin, inc WBC.

NIKOLSKY's sign - epidermis separates when skin is rubbed.

TX with oatmeal/potassium permanganate baths, oral care, steroids/cytotoxic meds.

YOUR TURN !!

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wow, this is an interesting thread!

ok here are my 2 for the day! :)

tourette syndrome - neurological disorder defined by multiple, frequent, rapid motor and vocal tics, symptoms are usually involuntary movements of the arms and face.

the tics are outside of the patient's control. other symptoms such as repetitive movements and compulsions can occur.

here is more info: http://www.tsa-usa.org/medical/faqs.html

http://www.tsa-usa.org/imaganw/fact_sheet.pdf

tay sach's disease is a progressive genetic disorder that causes destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. most common form begins with infants between 3-6 months of age with weakening of muscles.

more info: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=taysachsdisease

happy studying! :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

While this stuff is definitely interesting, you're right about the NCLEX being horses not zebras. I found the test to be big picture stuff, not down in the weeds. While it's important to be prepared, I would recommend concentrating on test taking skills (i.e., understanding what the question is asking for) not memorizing minutae. JMHO

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Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner that can affect hearing and balance. It is characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear.

It's probably one of the only endocrine diseases not thoroughly taught in nursing school, and it shows up on the test!!! Keep in mind, people with this disease need a low-sodium diet. Hope it helps : )

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Specializes in SICU.

EMTB2RN, definitely agree with what you're saying and I'm obviously focusing my 99% of my time on the horses. This thread is dedicated to that 1% of my time. Hey, it doesn't hurt to know these random disease. If not for the NCLEX, for practice as an RN. You never know when you'll have a patient with Bernard-Horner Syndrome. *wink*

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Specializes in SICU.

Legionnaire's Disease - fancy term for bacterial pneumonia caused by the Legionella critter. One can be exposed to bacteria from bodies of water. Similar s/s of regular pneumonia.

Hanson's Disease - AKA "leprosy" bacterial infection (Mycobacterium leprae). Destruction of nerve endings causes loss of sensation. Affects nerves on skin, hands, feet, mucous membranes. Curable but deformities associated with loss of sensation are permanent.

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Here are the two that I can think of. Hope they're weird enough!

Fifth's Disease (erythema infectiosum)- a virus that causes a red rash on kid's faces that looks like their cheeks had been slapped.

Raynaud's Disease- causes certain parts of your body like feet and hands to feel numb during colder weather.

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Specializes in MEDICAL, SURGICAL, OB-GYNE, SCRUB NURSE.
Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner that can affect hearing and balance. It is characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear.

It's probably one of the only endocrine diseases not thoroughly taught in nursing school, and it shows up on the test!!! Keep in mind, people with this disease need a low-sodium diet. Hope it helps : )

I think meniere's disease is not an endocrine disease. Am I right?

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Specializes in Emergency.
I think meniere's disease is not an endocrine disease. Am I right?

Yep, you're right. It's believed to be the result of 2 types of fluids mixing in the labyrinth of the inner ear d/t a rupture. The actual cause of the rupture is unknown. The vertigo associated with Meniere's can be horrendous. Kaplan seemed to like this disease but I didn't see it on the NCLEX.

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Dupuytren contracture is a progressive contracture of the palmer fascia. It causes the fourth and fifth fingers to flex. It is an autosomal dominant trait and occurs mostly in MEN OVER 50, SCANDINAVIN OR CELTIC DESCENT. associated with DIABETES,GOUT,ARTHRITIS and ALCOHOLISM.

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Anyone have info on Scleroderma?

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Specializes in ICU.

I think that this thread is a good idea! I took my test today and I got 2 rare (obscure) diseases. I got 75 questions...

Here is the link with all the rare diseases you can think off:

http://rarediseases.about.com/

Good luck for of you that are testing soon.

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