Meniere's disease is characterized by:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

Recurrent, episodic vertigo is the hallmark and most disabling symptom of Meniere's disease.
Vertigo is a core component of the classic diagnostic triad, which also includes sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
The source texts confirm that an absence of vertigo is inconsistent with a diagnosis of Meniere's disease.
The vertigo attacks are sudden and can last from minutes to hours, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Option A: The hearing loss associated with Meniere's disease is sensorineural, originating from pathology in the inner ear. Conductive deafness results from problems in the outer or middle ear, such as cerumen impaction, otitis media, or otosclerosis.
Option C: Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) is a clinical sign observed during an acute vertigo attack in Meniere's disease. However, it is a component of the attack, not the primary defining symptom itself. Vertigo is the core symptom experienced by the patient.
Option D: This option is incorrect because 'Conductive deafness' is not a characteristic of Meniere's disease. The hearing loss is sensorineural.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing The primary symptoms and characteristics of Meniere's disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Patient safety is the top priority for a nurse caring for a patient with Meniere's disease. The sudden, severe vertigo creates a very high risk of falls and injury.
Patient education is crucial, focusing on dietary changes (low sodium), medication adherence, and strategies to manage and anticipate attacks.
What if? If a patient presented with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus but had NO episodes of vertigo, the diagnosis would more likely be 'cochlear Meniere's disease' or cochlear hydrops, rather than classic Meniere's disease.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the defining characteristics of Meniere's disease.
Recall the classic triad of symptoms for Meniere's disease: 1) episodic vertigo, 2) sensorineural hearing loss, and 3) tinnitus.
Evaluate each option against this classic triad.
Option A, 'Conductive deafness,' is incorrect; the hearing loss is sensorineural. This immediately invalidates Option D, 'All the above.'
Compare the remaining options, B and C. Both vertigo and nystagmus are related to the disease. However, recurrent vertigo is the primary, defining symptom experienced by the patient, while nystagmus is a sign that accompanies the vertigo. Therefore, recurrent vertigo is the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 72-74

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 287-289

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.