70 Diseases Nclex Cheat Sheet Pdf

70 Diseases NCLEX Cheat Sheet PDF: Your Comprehensive Guide to Conquering the NCLEX

Navigating the vast sea of diseases and disorders is a daunting task for any nursing student preparing for the NCLEX. This guide provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of 70 common diseases, designed to help you focus your study efforts and confidently tackle disease-related questions on the exam. Let's dive into this essential cheat sheet!

I. Cardiovascular System

• 1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

  • Key points: Angina (chest pain), risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), management (lifestyle modifications, medications, revascularization procedures).

• 2. Myocardial Infarction (MI): Heart attack; occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

  • Key points: Chest pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back; diaphoresis, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, ECG changes (ST-elevation, T-wave inversion), elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin, CK-MB), management (MONA: morphine, oxygen, nitroglycerin, aspirin; thrombolytics, angioplasty).

• 3. Heart Failure (HF): The heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

  • Key points: Left-sided HF (pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), right-sided HF (peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, ascites), management (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, digoxin).

• 4. Hypertension: High blood pressure, defined as consistent readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher.

  • Key points: Risk factors (obesity, family history, high sodium intake), complications (stroke, MI, kidney failure), management (lifestyle modifications, antihypertensive medications).

• 5. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria.

  • Key points: Palpitations, fatigue, increased risk of stroke, management (anticoagulants, rate control medications, rhythm control medications, cardioversion, ablation).

• 6. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg.

  • Key points: Unilateral leg swelling, pain, warmth, redness, risk factors (immobility, surgery, pregnancy), complications (pulmonary embolism), management (anticoagulants, compression stockings).

• 7. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, most commonly the legs, due to atherosclerosis.

  • Key points: Intermittent claudication (leg pain with exercise), cool extremities, diminished pulses, management (lifestyle modifications, medications, angioplasty, bypass surgery).

II. Respiratory System

• 8. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing reversible airflow obstruction.

  • Key points: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, triggers (allergens, exercise, cold air), management (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, allergy management).

• 9. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation. Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

  • Key points: Shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, barrel chest, clubbing of fingers, management (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation).

• 10. Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup.

  • Key points: Cough, fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, crackles, management (antibiotics, supportive care).

• 11. Tuberculosis (TB): An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually affecting the lungs.

  • Key points: Cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, management (antibiotics, isolation precautions).

• 12. Cystic Fibrosis (CF): A genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, causing thick mucus buildup.

  • Key points: Chronic cough, frequent lung infections, salty skin, poor growth, management (chest physiotherapy, antibiotics, pancreatic enzyme replacement).

• 13. Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.

  • Key points: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, absent breath sounds on the affected side, management (chest tube insertion).

III. Neurological System

• 14. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA): Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage.

  • Key points: Sudden onset of neurological deficits (weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, vision changes), types (ischemic, hemorrhagic), management (thrombolytics, supportive care, rehabilitation).

• 15. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing demyelination of nerve fibers.

  • Key points: Fatigue, weakness, numbness, vision problems, balance problems, management (immunomodulatory drugs, symptomatic treatment).

• 16. Parkinson's Disease: A progressive neurological disorder that affects movement.

  • Key points: Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), postural instability, management (medications to increase dopamine levels, deep brain stimulation).

• 17. Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

  • Key points: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, management (medications to improve cognitive function, supportive care).

• 18. Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

  • Key points: Seizures (tonic-clonic, absence, partial), management (anticonvulsant medications, seizure precautions).

• 19. Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

  • Key points: Headache, fever, stiff neck, photophobia, management (antibiotics, antiviral medications, supportive care).

IV. Gastrointestinal System

• 20. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): Sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

  • Key points: Abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, risk factors (H. pylori infection, NSAID use), management (antibiotics, acid-reducing medications, lifestyle modifications).

• 21. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

  • Key points: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, management (anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, surgery).

• 22. Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often caused by chronic alcohol abuse or hepatitis.

  • Key points: Fatigue, jaundice, ascites, edema, varices, management (supportive care, management of complications, liver transplant).

• 23. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infection.

  • Key points: Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, management (antiviral medications, supportive care, vaccination).

• 24. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

  • Key points: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, elevated amylase and lipase levels, management (NPO status, IV fluids, pain management).

• 25. Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix.

  • Key points: Right lower quadrant abdominal pain (McBurney's point), nausea, vomiting, fever, management (appendectomy).

V. Endocrine System

• 26. Diabetes Mellitus (DM): A metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

  • Key points: Type 1 DM (insulin deficiency), type 2 DM (insulin resistance), symptoms (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia), complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease), management (insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, diet, exercise).

• 27. Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland, resulting in decreased thyroid hormone production.

  • Key points: Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, dry skin, management (thyroid hormone replacement).

• 28. Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland, resulting in increased thyroid hormone production.

  • Key points: Weight loss, anxiety, palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating, management (antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, surgery).

• 29. Cushing's Syndrome: A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.

  • Key points: Weight gain, moon face, buffalo hump, hypertension, hyperglycemia, management (medications to reduce cortisol production, surgery).

• 30. Addison's Disease: A hormonal disorder caused by adrenal gland insufficiency.

  • Key points: Fatigue, weakness, weight loss, hypotension, hyperpigmentation, management (hormone replacement therapy).

VI. Renal System

• 31. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function.

  • Key points: Decreased urine output, elevated creatinine and BUN levels, management (treat underlying cause, supportive care, dialysis).

• 32. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Progressive loss of kidney function over time.

  • Key points: Fatigue, edema, hypertension, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, management (medications to manage symptoms, dialysis, kidney transplant).

• 33. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection of the urinary tract.

  • Key points: Dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, management (antibiotics).

• 34. Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Hard deposits that form in the kidneys.

  • Key points: Severe flank pain, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, management (pain management, increased fluid intake, medications, lithotripsy).

VII. Musculoskeletal System

• 35. Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown.

  • Key points: Joint pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, management (pain management, physical therapy, joint replacement).

• 36. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints.

  • Key points: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, management (anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, physical therapy).

• 37. Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

  • Key points: Risk factors (age, gender, genetics, lifestyle), management (calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications to increase bone density, weight-bearing exercise).

• 38. Gout: A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.

  • Key points: Sudden, severe joint pain, usually in the big toe, management (medications to reduce uric acid levels, lifestyle modifications).

VIII. Hematologic System

• 39. Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

  • Key points: Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, types (iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency), management (supplementation, blood transfusion).

• 40. Leukemia: Cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow.

  • Key points: Fatigue, fever, infections, bleeding, bruising, management (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant).

• 41. Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.

  • Key points: Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, management (chemotherapy, radiation therapy).

• 42. Thrombocytopenia: A condition characterized by a low platelet count.

  • Key points: Bleeding, bruising, petechiae, management (treat underlying cause, platelet transfusion).

IX. Immune System

• 43. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

  • Key points: Transmission (blood, sexual contact, mother to child), symptoms (flu-like symptoms, opportunistic infections), management (antiretroviral therapy).

• 44. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs.

  • Key points: Fatigue, joint pain, rash, kidney problems, management (anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants).

X. Infectious Diseases

• 45. Influenza (Flu): A viral respiratory infection.

  • Key points: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, management (antiviral medications, supportive care, vaccination).

• 46. COVID-19: A viral respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.

  • Key points: Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, management (antiviral medications, supportive care, vaccination).

• 47. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A viral infection that causes sores on the skin, mouth, or genitals.

  • Key points: Cold sores, genital herpes, management (antiviral medications).

• 48. Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV): A viral infection that causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster).

  • Key points: Chickenpox (itchy rash), shingles (painful rash), management (antiviral medications, supportive care, vaccination).

• 49. Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff): A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea.

  • Key points: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, management (antibiotics, infection control measures).

• 50. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): A bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics.

  • Key points: Skin infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, management (specific antibiotics, infection control measures).

XI. Psychiatric Disorders

• 51. Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.

  • Key points: Sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, management (antidepressant medications, therapy).

• 52. Bipolar Disorder: A mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression.

  • Key points: Mania (elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity), depression (sadness, hopelessness, fatigue), management (mood stabilizers, therapy).

• 53. Schizophrenia: A chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.

  • Key points: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal), management (antipsychotic medications, therapy).

• 54. Anxiety Disorders: A group of mental disorders characterized by excessive worry and fear.

  • Key points: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, management (therapy, medication).

XII. Maternal-Newborn Health

• 55. Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

  • Key points: Risk factors (obesity, family history), management (diet, exercise, insulin).

• 56. Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria.

  • Key points: Hypertension, edema, proteinuria, management (medications to lower blood pressure, delivery).

• 57. Eclampsia: Seizures in a woman with preeclampsia.

  • Key points: Seizures, hypertension, edema, proteinuria, management (magnesium sulfate, delivery).

• 58. Postpartum Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after childbirth.

  • Key points: Risk factors (multiple gestation, prolonged labor), management (medications to contract the uterus, blood transfusion).

• 59. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): A condition in newborns caused by withdrawal from drugs they were exposed to in utero.

  • Key points: Irritability, tremors, poor feeding, management (supportive care, medications to manage withdrawal symptoms).

XIII. Pediatric Disorders

• 60. Asthma (Pediatric): A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing reversible airflow obstruction in children.

  • Key points: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, triggers (allergens, exercise, cold air), management (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, allergy management).

• 61. Cystic Fibrosis (Pediatric): A genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs in children, causing thick mucus buildup.

  • Key points: Chronic cough, frequent lung infections, salty skin, poor growth, management (chest physiotherapy, antibiotics, pancreatic enzyme replacement).

• 62. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Pediatric): An autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency in children.

  • Key points: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, fatigue, management (insulin, diet, exercise).

• 63. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children.

  • Key points: Difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, impulsivity, management (medications, therapy).

• 64. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors in children.

  • Key points: Social deficits, communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, management (therapy, early intervention).

XIV. Oncologic Disorders

• 65. Breast Cancer: Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.

  • Key points: Risk factors (age, family history, genetics), symptoms (lump in the breast, nipple discharge), management (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy).

• 66. Lung Cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the lung.

  • Key points: Risk factors (smoking), symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain), management (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).

• 67. Colon Cancer: Cancer that forms in the cells of the colon.

  • Key points: Risk factors (age, family history, diet), symptoms (change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding), management (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).

XV. Integumentary Disorders

• 68. Pressure Ulcers: Injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure.

  • Key points: Risk factors (immobility, malnutrition), stages (I-IV), prevention (frequent repositioning, pressure-reducing surfaces), management (wound care).

• 69. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin.

  • Key points: Pruritus, dry skin, rash, management (moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines).

• 70. Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by raised, red, scaly patches on the skin.

  • Key points: Plaques, scaling, itching, management (topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, systemic medications).

Conclusion

This cheat sheet provides a foundation for understanding common diseases and disorders you'll encounter on the NCLEX. Remember to delve deeper into each condition, focusing on pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, nursing interventions, and patient education. Good luck with your studies!