Assignment task:
Respond to the following peer discussion in 50 words: Meniere's disease: Risk factors and/or causes of the disorder: Meniere's disease is an inner ear condition that affects hearing and could contribute to hearing loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, but it can be attributed to extra fluid buildup in the inner ear canal called endolymph. Contributing and risk factors include poor fluid drainage (due to a blockage or irregular ear shape), autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and genetics. Other risk factors include being aged 40 to 60, and women assigned female at birth may have a slightly higher risk than men (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Pathophysiology with connection to common clinical manifestations: The physiological process associated with Meniere's disease is referred to as endolymphatic hydrops. Endolymphatic hydrops occurs when there is increased hydraulic pressure within the inner ear endolymphatic system. Excess pressure accumulation in the endolymph can cause significant manifestations. These include occasional hearing loss, episodic vertigo, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and aural fullness (i.e. pressure, discomfort, fullness sensation in the ears) (Koenen & Andaloro, 2023). Either a medical treatment or surgical treatment for the disorder: Due to Meniere's disease manifesting in such a sensitive part of the body, it is ideal that one should start with a non-invasive approach with the fewest possible side effects first, and then proceed to more invasive measures. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, treatment options include a sodium restricted diet, the use of thiazide diuretics, intratympanic steroid injections, intratympanic gentamycin injections, and vestibular nerve section or labyrinthectomy (Koenen & Andaloro, 2023). Nursing management: Health promotion or prevention [if none explain why] Eating a low-salt (sodium) diet helps reduce the fluid pressure in your inner ear, the recommended serving is 1000-1500 mg of sodium per day (Webster et. Al, 2022). Tinnitus can affect sleeping habits. Try to incorporate a fan, soft music, or a white noise machine at night to minimize tinnitus and promote a longer and more fulfilling night's rest (Webster et. Al, 2022). If you use alcohol or tobacco research cessation programs and try to abstain from use. The use of alcohol and tobacco can trigger symptoms and make symptoms worse (Webster et. Al, 2022). Stress management is essential with managing mood disturbances, and anxiety associated with this disease. To manage stress, it is recommended to speak with a therapist, engage in light exercise such as walks, and improve your sleep patterns (Webster et. Al, 2022). Implement fall precautions so that if the patient is experiencing vertigo, or dizziness and falls; the fall is less detrimental (Webster et. Al, 2022). For your chosen medical treatment or surgical treatment: The use of diuretics is a form of medication therapy that lessens the amount of fluid accumulation in the inner ear. They can reduce the number of vertigo attacks, and stabilize hearing (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Assessment or ongoing monitoring [not diagnostic tests] Being that diuretics rid fluid from the body (and not just the ear canal) daily weight monitoring is necessary to ensure the patient isn't losing too much fluid (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Assess the patient's intake and output (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Assess the patient's skin turgor and mucous membranes to monitor for signs of dehydration (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Monitor Pt blood pressure for hypotension (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Assess the patient's characteristics of urine output (color, amount, frequency) (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Monitor the affected ear for increased or ongoing pain. Also monitor the patient's level of hearing in the affected ear (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). Monitor for onsets of vertigo attacks (Vallerand et. Al, 2023). interventions - collaboration