The nurse is planning care for a client experiencing an acute attack of Meniere disease. Which action is a high priority to include in the plan of care?

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Meniere disease (endolymphatic hydrops) results from excess fluid accumulation inside the inner ear. Clients have episodic attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and aural fullness. The vertigo can be severe and associated with nausea and vomiting. Clients report feelings of being pulled to the ground (drop attacks). During an attack, the client is treated with vestibular suppressants, including sedatives (eg, benzodiazepines such as diazepam), antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine, meclizine), anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), and antiemetics. The nurse's priority is to plan for client safety with fall precautions given the severe vertigo and use of sedating medications. Fall precautions include adjusting the bed to a low position with side rails up and instructing the client to call for help before getting up. Vertigo may be minimized by staying in a quiet, dark roomand avoiding sudden head movements. The client should reduce stimulation by not watching television or looking at flickering lights. The client's diet should be salt restricted to prevent fluid buildup in the ear. (Option B) An emesis basin should be provided at the bedside, but fall precautions are the priority. (Option C) A quiet environment can help minimize vertigo. However, it is a lower priority than the fall precautions. (Option D) Most clients with Meniere disease require parenteral fluids given the nausea and vomiting. However, these are not the highest priority. Educational objective: Clients with Meniere disease (endolymphatic hydrops) can have severe vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and aural fullness. It is a priority for the nurse to institute safety measures, such as fall precautions, for these clients. They will require a salt-restricted diet.

The Nurse Is Planning Care for a Client Experiencing an Acute