Inflammation of the inner ear is known as?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Labyrinthitis is the medical term for the inflammation of the labyrinth, the structure within the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance.
The suffix '-itis' denotes inflammation, and 'labyrinth' refers to the inner ear, making 'Labyrinthitis' the direct answer.
This condition is often triggered by a viral infection, like the flu or a common cold, or less commonly, a bacterial infection.
The inflammation disrupts the vestibular and cochlear nerves, leading to a sudden onset of symptoms like severe vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Option B: Meniere's disease is a chronic condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid (endolymphatic hydrops) in the inner ear, not primarily by inflammation. Its symptoms are episodic and recurrent, unlike the typical acute onset of labyrinthitis.
Option C: Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, in the absence of an external source. It is a symptom of an underlying condition (including labyrinthitis), not the inflammatory disease itself.
Option D: Positional vertigo, specifically Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), is a mechanical problem. It is caused by the displacement of small calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) into the semicircular canals, which causes brief vertigo with head movements. It is not an inflammatory condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Disorders of the Inner Ear as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility for a patient with labyrinthitis is ensuring their safety. The sudden and severe vertigo creates a high risk for falls and injury.
Nurses should educate the patient to avoid sudden movements, provide a quiet and dimly lit environment to reduce sensory input, and administer anti-vertigo and anti-emetic medications as prescribed.
What if? If a patient reports vertigo that lasts only for a minute and is consistently triggered by looking up or turning over in bed, the diagnosis is more likely Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The treatment would then be physical therapy (e.g., Epley maneuver) rather than medication for inflammation.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question. The key terms are 'inflammation' and 'inner ear'.
Recall medical terminology. The suffix '-itis' is a standard indicator of inflammation.
Identify the anatomical structure of the inner ear, which is the labyrinth.
Combine the anatomical term ('labyrinth') with the suffix for inflammation ('-itis') to form 'Labyrinthitis'.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Meniere's disease is a fluid issue, tinnitus is a symptom, and positional vertigo is a mechanical problem. This confirms Labyrinthitis is the only option describing inflammation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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