A nurse is planning care for a client who has Ménière’s disease and is experiencing episodes of vertigo. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A Reason:

Taking aspirin is generally not recommended for pain management in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and may affect kidney function, which is already compromised in PKD patients. Instead, acetaminophen is often recommended for pain relief.

Choice B Reason:

Reducing dietary fiber intake is not typically advised for PKD patients. In fact, a balanced diet with adequate fiber is important for overall health and can help manage symptoms such as constipation, which can be a concern for PKD patients.

Choice C Reason:

Applying dry heat to the abdomen can help alleviate pain associated with PKD. Heat therapy can relax muscles and reduce discomfort caused by the enlarged kidneys and cysts. This non-pharmacological approach is safe and can be effective in managing pain.

Choice D Reason:

Checking weight once per week is not sufficient for PKD patients. Regular monitoring of weight is important to detect fluid retention and other complications. It is generally recommended to check weight more frequently, such as daily, to promptly identify any significant changes.

Choice A Reason

Maintain strict bed rest. This intervention is not typically recommended for managing Ménière’s disease. While rest during acute vertigo episodes is important, strict bed rest is not necessary and can lead to other complications such as muscle atrophy and decreased mobility.

Choice B Reason

Restrict fluid intake to the morning hours. This statement is incorrect. Fluid intake should be evenly distributed throughout the day to help manage the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. Restricting fluids to the morning hours can lead to dehydration and does not effectively manage the condition.

Choice C Reason

Administer aspirin. This intervention is not recommended for Ménière’s disease. Aspirin can worsen tinnitus, a common symptom of Ménière’s disease, and is generally avoided in these patients.

Choice D Reason

Provide a low-sodium diet. This is the correct intervention. A low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid retention in the body, which can decrease the pressure in the inner ear and help manage the symptoms of Ménière’s disease. Reducing sodium intake to 1,500-2,000 milligrams per day is often recommended.