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

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease.
Meniere's disease is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid (endolymphatic hydrops) in the inner ear, which disrupts balance and hearing signals.
The condition is defined by a classic triad of symptoms: episodic vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus.
A feeling of aural fullness or pressure in the ear is also a common accompanying symptom.

Option A: Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, originates from the nasal passages and has no pathological connection to the inner ear, which is affected in Meniere's disease.
Option B: Facial pain is not a characteristic symptom of Meniere's disease. The pathology is confined to the inner ear and does not typically affect the sensory nerves of the face.
Option C: Ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid, is a sign of oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) dysfunction or neuromuscular junction disorders. It is not related to the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) or inner ear structures affected by Meniere's disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Primary 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 a nurse caring for a patient with Meniere's disease. The sudden, unpredictable nature of vertigo attacks creates a high risk for falls and injury.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses must teach patients about dietary restrictions (low sodium), medication adherence, and strategies to manage acute attacks, such as lying down in a quiet, dark room.
What if? If a patient presents with tinnitus and hearing loss but has never experienced vertigo, the diagnosis might be cochlear Meniere's disease. However, the nurse should also consider other causes like acoustic neuroma or ototoxicity, necessitating a thorough workup.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem: "primary symptom of Meniere's Disease".
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific disease process.
Recall the classic triad of symptoms associated with Meniere's disease: 1) episodic vertigo, 2) tinnitus, and 3) fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss.
Evaluate each option against this classic triad.
Option A (Epistaxis), B (Facial pain), and C (Ptosis) are not part of the triad and are related to different body systems or pathologies.
Option D (Tinnitus) is a core component of the triad, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 pp. 72-74, 73-75

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.