The nurse is caring for a patient whose temperature has dropped from 102.4°F to 99.4°F. The nurse notes that the patient’s face is flushed. What is the reason for this assessment finding?

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 calculating the patient’s fluid intake and output at the end of every shift is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can monitor the patient’s fluid balance and document the results.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because assessing the patient’s abdomen for distention, bowel sounds, and passage of flatus is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can perform a physical examination of the patient’s abdomen and document the findings.

Choice C reason: This is a correct choice because administering a mild stool softener daily to prevent constipation is an example of a dependent nursing intervention. A dependent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform only with a physician's order. The nurse cannot give any medication to the patient without a prescription.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because encouraging fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation from pain medications is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can educate the patient about the importance of hydration and nutrition and document the teaching.

Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because reinserting the patient's urinary catheter for retention of greater than 500 mL of urine is an example of a dependent nursing intervention. A dependent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform only with a physician's order. The nurse cannot insert or remove any invasive device from the patient without a prescription.