CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A patient's feeling of spinning, or the room spinning, is called?

1. Orthostatic hypotension

2. Epistaxis

3. Vertigo

4. Syncope

The correct answer is: Vertigo

The sensation described as a feeling of spinning, or the room spinning around the patient, is known as vertigo. This condition often arises from issues in the inner ear or the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Patients experiencing vertigo often feel as though they or their surroundings are moving, which can be disorienting and sometimes debilitating. In contrast, orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure when a patient stands up, leading to dizziness or faintness due to reduced blood flow to the brain. Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which is unrelated to sensations of spinning. Syncope refers to a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting, typically caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain, rather than the spinning sensation associated with vertigo. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific nature of the patient's experience in cases of dizziness and balance disorders.