A nurse is working with a client with newly diagnosed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In developing a plan of care for this client, the nurse should instruct the client regarding:

Question

1. Modifications in daily activities.
2. Adapting to long-term balance disorder.
3. Importance of medication regimen.
4. Importance of bed rest.

Answer 1

Modifications in daily activities.

Rationale: Modifications in daily activities, such as avoiding bending down to pick up objects, may be necessary to cope with the dizziness. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is not life threatening and is frequently self-limiting because symptoms often subside or disappear within 2 months of onset. Therefore, it is not a long-term balance disorder. Nausea may be associated with BPPV and antiemetic medications may be used, but they do not prevent the dizziness. BPPV is not treated with medications. Bed rest should be avoided because it causes skeletal muscle weakness.