In managing Meniere disease, which safety priority is particularly important?

In managing Meniere disease, which safety priority is particularly important?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Preventing falls
• C. Hydration management
• D. Maintaining strict bed rest

Answer: (B)

The key safety issue here is preventing falls. In Meniere disease, vertigo and impaired balance can come on suddenly, making a person unable to stand or move safely and increasing the risk of head injury or other trauma during an attack. Because the immediate danger is the fall itself, the nursing plan focuses on fall prevention: keep the environment clear and well-lit, use non-slip footwear, lower the bed or keep side rails up as appropriate, place the call bell within easy reach, and have assistance available for transfers or ambulation during or right after vertigo episodes. Encourage slow, careful movements and avoid abrupt head or body changes when symptoms are active; advise against driving or climbing stairs during spells. Hydration and infection prevention are important parts of overall care, but they don’t address the acute risk of falls during vertigo, and strict bed rest isn’t routinely required for Meniere disease.

The key safety issue here is preventing falls. In Meniere disease, vertigo and impaired balance can come on suddenly, making a person unable to stand or move safely and increasing the risk of head injury or other trauma during an attack. Because the immediate danger is the fall itself, the nursing plan focuses on fall prevention: keep the environment clear and well-lit, use non-slip footwear, lower the bed or keep side rails up as appropriate, place the call bell within easy reach, and have assistance available for transfers or ambulation during or right after vertigo episodes. Encourage slow, careful movements and avoid abrupt head or body changes when symptoms are active; advise against driving or climbing stairs during spells.

Hydration and infection prevention are important parts of overall care, but they don’t address the acute risk of falls during vertigo, and strict bed rest isn’t routinely required for Meniere disease.