Which of the following is a main symptom of Meniere's Disease?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease.
It is part of the classic triad of symptoms, which also includes episodic vertigo and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss.
The symptoms are caused by an abnormality in the fluid balance (endolymphatic hydrops) of the inner ear.

Option A: Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. It is related to the nasal passages and blood vessels within the nose, not the inner ear structures affected by Meniere's disease.
Option B: Facial pain is not a characteristic symptom of Meniere's disease. While a feeling of pressure in the ear (aural fullness) can occur, distinct facial pain points to other conditions.
Option C: Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. It is a sign of neuromuscular or neurological issues affecting the eye muscles or the nerves that control them, and is unrelated to the inner ear pathology of Meniere's disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Symptoms 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 nurses during an acute Meniere's attack. The sudden, severe vertigo creates a high risk for falls and injury.
Patient education on a low-sodium diet is a key nursing intervention. Limiting sodium intake helps manage the fluid imbalance in the inner ear, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of attacks.
What if? If a patient with known Meniere's disease presents with vertigo but also new-onset facial drooping (like ptosis), the nurse must consider a different, more urgent diagnosis like a stroke and escalate care immediately. Meniere's does not cause ptosis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the symptomatology of 'Meniere's Disease'.
Recall the classic triad of symptoms associated with this inner ear disorder: vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Systematically evaluate each option against this knowledge.
Eliminate 'Epistaxis' (nosebleed), 'Facial pain' (not inner ear), and 'Ptosis' (eyelid drooping) as they are unrelated to the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease.
Identify 'Tinnitus' (ringing in the ear) as a core component of the classic triad, making it the correct 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. 289-291

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

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