The nurse is interviewing a patient who is scheduled to undergo electronystagmography as part of a diagnostic workup for Ménière's disease

Question

Which of the following questions is most important for the nurse to ask the patient in preparation for this test?
A) Have you ever experienced claustrophobia or feelings of anxiety while in enclosed spaces?
B) Do you currently take sedatives, tranquilizers, or antihistamines on a regular basis?
C) Do you have a history of falls or problems with loss of balance?
D) Do you have a history of either high or low blood pressure?

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback: Electronystagmography measures changes in electrical potentials created by eye movements during induced nystagmus. Sedatives, tranquilizers, and antihistamines suppress the vestibular system in the inner ear leading to unreliable test results. These medications should be withheld for 24 hours prior to testing. Claustrophobia is not a significant concern associated with this test; rather, it is most often a concern for patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Balance is impaired by Ménière's disease; therefore, a patient's history of balance problems is important but is not relevant to test preparation. Hypertension or hypotension, while important health problems, should not be affected by this test.