Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is the initial treatment for flicker vertigo?

1. Provide oxygen therapy

2. Cover patient's face/eyes

3. Move to a quiet environment

4. Conduct a neurological assessment

The correct answer is: Cover patient's face/eyes

Covering the patient's face or eyes is a recognized initial treatment for flicker vertigo, which often occurs when individuals are exposed to rapid or flashing lights, such as those from video screens or strobe lights. This response aims to eliminate or reduce visual stimuli that may be triggering the vertigo, allowing the patient to regain stability and reduce the sensation of spinning or dizziness. By reducing visual input, the body can sometimes recalibrate its response to the environment, potentially providing quick relief from symptoms. Flicker vertigo can be particularly distressing, and minimizing triggers is essential in managing the initial presentation. Reducing exposure to bright, flickering lights permits the patient an opportunity to recover without additional sensory overload that could exacerbate their condition. While other treatments such as oxygen therapy, moving to a quieter environment, or conducting a neurological assessment may be beneficial in certain contexts, they do not provide the immediate mitigation of symptoms related to flicker vertigo that covering the eyes does.