Vertigo [Dizziness] Nursing Care Plan, Diagnosis & Intervention

Vertigo is a condition that causes feelings of dizziness and nausea. It can be difficult for patients with vertigo to do basic activities like walking or eating. As such, nurses play an essential role in helping these patients manage their symptoms and live healthier lives. This article will discuss a nursing care plan for vertigo, including tips on assessing best and treating patients suffering from this condition.

What is Vertigo ?

Vertigo is an inner ear disorder, head injury, stroke, or other medical condition that can cause severe dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. It is caused by disturbances in the vestibular system, which helps control balance. People with vertigo may experience dizziness, unsteadiness, and a sensation of spinning or whirling. A nursing care plan for vertigo is an individualized plan of action that considers the patient’s current health status and treatment goals.

Nursing Care Plan for Vertigo

A nursing care plan for vertigo is an individualized plan of action that considers the patient’s current health status and treatment goals. It outlines how to assess, manage, monitor, and evaluate a person’s response to their vertigo symptoms. The plan aims to reduce or eliminate dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. The plan should be tailored to the individual’s needs and provide a comprehensive approach that considers multiple aspects of care, such as physical activity, nutrition, medications, environmental considerations, lifestyle modifications, social support systems, and emotional well-being.

Goals of the Nursing Care Plan for Vertigo

The primary goals of a nursing care plan for vertigo are to reduce or eliminate dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. Other goals may include:

• Reducing the frequency of episodes.
• Increasing activity levels.
• Improving the quality of life.
• Preventing falls or other injuries from dizziness and imbalance.

Assessing the Patient with Vertigo

Before formulating a nursing care plan for vertigo, assessing the patient’s current health status is essential. This assessment should include information about the type and severity of symptoms, the frequency, and duration of episodes, any medications or treatments being used, relevant medical history, risk factors for falls and injury, environmental considerations, lifestyle modifications, nutrition habits, social support systems, etc.

Strategies to Implement in the Nursing Care Plan for Vertigo

The nursing care plan should focus on reducing or eliminating dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. Strategies may include non-pharmacological management (lifestyle modifications, physical activity, and nutritional counseling) and pharmacological management (medications).

Non-Pharmacological Management

Lifestyle modifications include avoiding triggers (such as specific movements or activities) and changing habits (such as drinking alcohol in moderation). Physical activity, such as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc. can help improve balance and reduce dizziness. Nutritional counseling may also be beneficial for reducing symptoms of vertigo.

Pharmacological Management

Medications may be prescribed to reduce or eliminate vertigo symptoms. These may include anticholinergics, antihistamines, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and more.

Nursing Diagnosis for Vertigo

1. Disturbed Sensory Perception related to dizziness and imbalance as evidenced by reports of vertigo, nausea, or vomiting.
2. Impaired Balance related to disorientation and dizziness as evidenced by decreased postural stability.
3. Activity Intolerance related to energy depletion as evidenced by fatigue and lethargy.
4. Risk for Injury related to dizziness and imbalance as evidenced by reports of falls or near-falls.
5. Knowledge Deficit related to the disease process, therapeutic plan, and prognosis as evidenced by questions regarding care and treatment.
6. Activity Intolerance related to decreased strength as evidenced by fatigue and difficulty ambulating.
7. Altered Family Processes related to the caregiving demands of vertigo as evidenced by changes in family roles and responsibilities.
8. Disturbed Sleep Patterns related to vertigo symptoms as evidenced by reports of insomnia, drowsiness, or hypersomnia.
9.  Pain related to pressure changes within the labyrinth as evidenced by reports of aching pain in the head or neck region.
10. Nutrition Imbalance related to anorexia, nausea, or vomiting as evidenced by reports of poor appetite and weight loss.
11. Self-Care Deficit related to impaired balance and dizziness as evidenced by difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
12. Risk for Reduced Cardiac Tissue Perfusion related to vertigo as evidenced by reports of chest pain or palpitations.
13. Risk for Complications and Delayed Recovery due to vertigo symptoms as evidenced by reports of decreased physical activity and bed rest.
14. Dysfunctional Verbal Communication related to difficulty concentrating or confusion as evidenced by reports of impaired communication interactions.
15. Risk for Social Isolation related to alterations in sensory perception and difficulty with physical activities as evidenced by reports of loneliness or feeling disconnected from others.
16. Impaired Coping related to the stress of managing vertigo symptoms as evidenced by reports of irritability or frustration.
17. Deficient Fluid Volume related to nausea and vomiting as evidenced by reports of dehydration.
18. Spiritual Distress related to the inability to cope with vertigo symptoms as evidenced by changes in prayer or spiritual practices.

Nursing Interventions for Vertigo

1. Monitor vital signs and assess for symptoms of vertigo, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or chest pain.
2. Assist the patient with daily living (ADLs) activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating to reduce fatigue and risk for injury.
3. Educate the patient and family about the disease process, prognosis, therapeutic plan, and medications.
4. Encourage the patient to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or muscle relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety.
5. Assist with ambulation using a gait belt and side rail for increased support and safety from falls while walking.
6. Provide emotional support to help the patient cope with the stress of vertigo and its impact on daily activities.
7. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration due to nausea or vomiting.
8. Monitor for signs of nutritional imbalances such as weight loss, poor appetite, or difficulty eating.
9. Provide encouragement and reinforcement for any progress made in managing the vertigo symptoms.
10. Refer the patient to a physical therapist or occupational therapist for balance training, gait, posture re-education, and safety strategies for reducing fall risk.
11. Encourage the patient to engage in light physical activity to improve strength and endurance as tolerated.
12. Utilize adaptive equipment such as walkers or canes to improve ambulation balance and stability.
13. Provide spiritual care and support to help the patient cope with vertigo symptoms, the stress of living with a chronic illness, and any emotional difficulties related to the condition.
14. Monitor for signs of depression or isolation due to changes in physical activity levels or difficulty communicating.
15. Provide resources and referrals for support groups or community services to help the patient cope with vertigo symptoms.
16. Utilize vestibular rehabilitation techniques, such as gaze stabilization exercises or perceptual-motor training, to reduce dizziness and increase activity tolerance.
17. Monitor medications to ensure they are taken as prescribed and effectively reduce vertigo symptoms.
18. Assess the patient’s hearing and vision to rule out sensory deficits contributing to balance disturbances or falls risk.
19. Encourage family members or caregivers to participate in the care plan by helping with ADLs, providing emotional support, and monitoring for changes in symptom severity.
20. Monitor for complications or delayed recovery due to vertigo symptoms and intervene accordingly.

Evaluating the Outcomes of the Nursing Care Plan for Vertigo

It is crucial to assess the success of the nursing care plan by monitoring for any changes in symptom severity and frequency and any adverse reactions to medications. The care plan should be adjusted as needed to ensure the best outcomes for the patient.

Final Words

A nursing care plan for vertigo is an individualized plan of action that considers the patient’s current health status and treatment goals. The plan aims to reduce or eliminate dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. Strategies may include non-pharmacological management (lifestyle modifications, physical activity, and nutritional counseling) and pharmacological management (medications). It is essential to evaluate the success of the care plan by monitoring for any changes in symptom severity and frequency. With an effective nursing care plan, vertigo symptoms can be managed effectively.