Random Fact Throwing: Obscure Diseases/Facts Edition :)

[GatorRN08]

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 !!

[GatorRN08]

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.

JACKY-POO - Heard you killed in NCLEX, dude !! For you to feel like you did "OK" without all the N,V,D that everyone else seems to report after taking the exam, gives me the indication that you killed it! Any advice? Hmm so you DID get rare diseases afterall......interesting...

Keep us updated so we can do the happy dance with you!

[GatorRN08]

Anyone have info on Scleroderma?

Scleroderma, immune disorder, chronic connective tissue.

INFLAMMATION (over time leads to)- FIBROSIS (which leads to) - SCLEROSIS.

Sclero - hardening Derma - skin.

Affects skin, joints, lungs, heart, kidneys, GI

- Taut shiny skin, tight , red, decreased elasticity

- Dysphagia

- Stiff, muscle weakness,

- Hard skin, decreased ROM, contractures

Tx with steroids, sit up after meals r/t dysphagia, no temp extremes

[mestisachic36]

thanks for all this tips and helpful informations!!

[hkRN83]

This is a very interesting thread. I have to go dig up my books and will be back with some.

[Melinurse]

Nice wed link JackICU. Thank you.

[luv'nlife068]

Paget's disease is a skeletal bone disorder where there is excessive bone resorption. The cause is unknown, could be viral. Usually affects pelvis, long bones, spine ribs & cranium. INITIAL manifestations - bone pain & fatigue. (This was in my practice questions)

Mgmt - symptomatic & supportive care. Calcitonin therapy, biphosphonate drugs such as alendronate (Fosamax), NSAIDS for pain, & surgery for fractures.

Diet high in calcium, along with Vitamin D and protein for bone formation.

Use caution when moving or turning client to prevent fractures. No heavy lifting for client. Physical therapy to increase muscle strength. Teach use of assitive devices & environmental changes to prevent falls

[Melinurse]

:typing

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 !!

please feel free to add on...................................

[zaylee]

Necrotizing fasciitis (Flesh eating disease):

A rare bacterrial infection that destroys skin, fat, and the fascia (tissue covering the muscles). The bactria can enter through a minor scratch or cut in the skin.

Most common cause:

infection by a group of A streptococcal (gas) bacterium (Streptococcus pyogenes). The bacteria travels through the blood stream and infect other parts of the body. In rare cases the bacteria produce toxins that can damage the soft tissue below the skin and cause a more dangerous infection that spreads quickly along the fascia.

S/S:

Onset is sudden (over a few hrs.)

Pain to the injury/wound site that subsides over 24-36 hrs and than worsens. Pain that is much worse than would expected from the size of the wound or injury. Redness, swelling, and hot to the touch. Fever, chills and N/V or diarrhea.

Tx:

Supportive care for shock, kidney failure, and respiratory problems.

Extensive use of antibiotics

Surgery to remove dead tissues (gangrene)

[jadu1106]

b-u-m-p-i-n-g

thanks!

[vadee]

as I was reading on shingles, I came upon this syndrome known as the Ramsay-Hunt syndrome....can you guess what it is?

okay it is shingles in and around the ears!!! be sure to place this client on FALL PRECAUTIONS because this syndrome can cause hearing and balance problems. think of this way: most syndromes affecting the ears should be on fall precautions no matter what.

:paw:

[Melinurse]

Good to see this thread back up here again. Just thought I would bump it up. Thanks to all who have contributed.

[BettyBoo706]

polyarteristis nodosa is inflammation of the small arteries causing decrease in blood. Treatment with cortisone drastically increases the survival rate