A nurse is teaching a client about health conditions that increase the risk for developing Meniere’s disease. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Open-angle glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma typically presents with increased intraocular pressure and gradual loss of peripheral vision, not with bright flashes of light and dark floating spots.

B. Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is characterized by central vision loss, not by bright flashes of light and dark floating spots.

C. Meniere’s disease: Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It does not typically cause bright flashes of light and dark floating spots in the visual field.

D. Retinal detachment: Trauma, such as being tackled while playing football, can lead to retinal detachment, which can manifest with symptoms such as bright flashes of light (photopsia) and dark floating spots (floaters) in the affected eye. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

A. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated ESR indicates inflammation in the body and is not typically associated with the cause of atrial fibrillation.

B. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This is the correct answer. A common cause of atrial fibrillation is hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland and often presents with elevated TSH levels. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating heart rate and rhythm. Excess thyroid hormone can lead to increased heart rate and irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.

C. Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): Elevated BNP levels are associated with heart failure and may indicate cardiac stress or dysfunction. While heart failure can predispose individuals to atrial fibrillation, elevated BNP levels themselves are not a direct cause of atrial fibrillation.

D. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation in the body and are associated with various cardiovascular diseases. While inflammation can contribute to atrial fibrillation, elevated CRP levels alone are not a direct cause of atrial fibrillation.