The nurse is caring for a patient who becomes agitated when visitors stay for extended periods or the hospital unit becomes noisy. The nurse identifies this as sensory overload. Which interventions will be of benefit to the patient? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Acute confusion related to delirium and disorientation is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. It does not typically cause acute confusion, delirium, or disorientation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Nausea related to constant sensation of noxious taste is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease can cause nausea and vomiting during the attacks of vertigo, but not a constant sensation of noxious taste. Nausea is a symptom, not a nursing diagnosis.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Autonomic dysreflexia related to distention of bowel or bladder is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition that occurs in people with spinal cord injuries above the level of T6. It causes a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, headache, sweating, and bradycardia. It is triggered by a stimulus below the level of injury, such as a distended bladder or bowel. It is not related to Meniere’s disease.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Risk for falls related to unsteadiness and loss of balance is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease can cause severe vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or moving when the person is still. This can impair the patient’s equilibrium and coordination, making them prone to falling and injuring themselves. The nurse should assess the patient’s risk for falls and implement interventions to prevent them, such as providing a safe environment, assisting with mobility, and educating the patient on self-care strategies.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Temperature is not directly related to respiratory function, and pulse and blood pressure can be affected by other factors, such as anxiety or medication.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because pulse, respirations, and oxygen saturation are the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Pulse reflects the heart rate and rhythm, which can be altered by respiratory distress. Respirations reflect the rate and depth of breathing, which can indicate the severity of the condition. Oxygen saturation reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound with oxygen, which can indicate the adequacy of oxygenation.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because temperature, pulse, and respirations are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Temperature is not directly related to respiratory function, and respirations alone do not provide enough information about the oxygenation status of the patient.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because respirations, blood pressure, and pain are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Blood pressure can be affected by other factors, such as anxiety or medication, and pain is a subjective symptom that can vary from person to person. Oxygen saturation is a more objective and reliable indicator of oxygenation than pain.