A nurse attended a staff development conference on Meniere's disease. Which statement, if made by the nurse, would require follow-up?

• A. Assistive listening devices are required for these clients.
• B. Meniere's disease can present with vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
• C. A low-sodium diet can help manage symptoms.
• D. Hearing loss always progresses to complete deafness.

Answer: (A)

Managing Meniere's disease is handled on an individual basis. Hearing changes can fluctuate, and the need for assistive listening devices depends on how much a person’s communication is affected, not on a universal rule. Saying that assistive listening devices are required for these clients makes an overgeneralization; some patients may manage well with medical therapy and minimal hearing loss, while others with persistent impairment may benefit from hearing aids or assistive technologies. That nuance is why this statement would need follow-up to assess the patient’s current hearing level and functional needs.

For context, Meniere's disease typically presents with vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, which aligns with the other statements. A low-sodium diet is a common nonpharmacologic strategy to help manage fluid balance in the inner ear. It’s also important to recognize that hearing loss does not always progress to complete deafness; it can fluctuate and may improve or stabilize over time, so asserting a guaranteed outcome is not accurate.