Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose topic is pellagra (vitamin B3/niacin deficiency). While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how pellagra will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a topic is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for pellagra.
- Classic triad of symptoms (3 D’s): that is very characteristic for this condition.
- Dermatitis: a C3/C4 dermatome “broad collar” circumferential rash is characteristic. Rash is typically worse in sun exposed areas.
- Dementia: patients may also hallucinate
- Diarrhea
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
Explanation # 1
Question # 2
Explanation # 2
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
- Cause: vitamin B3/niacin deficiency. Can be secondary to conditions like Hartnup disease.
- Complications: can lead to death if untreated
Page Updated: 04.27.2017