A nurse is caring for a client who is taking antihypertensive medication and is moving from a supine to a sitting position.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
The client's heart rate increases by 10/min.
The client's diastolic blood pressure increases by 10 mm Hg.
The client reports heart palpitations.
The client's systolic blood pressure decreases by 25 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
An increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal physiological response to compensate for decreased venous return and maintain cardiac output. This response does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
An increase in diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal response to compensate for the effects of gravity on blood flow. It helps maintain perfusion to vital organs and does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice C rationale:
Heart palpitations can occur due to various reasons, including anxiety or arrhythmias, but they are not specific signs of orthostatic hypotension. This symptom alone does not confirm the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
A decrease in systolic blood pressure by 25 mm Hg or more when moving from a supine to a sitting position indicates orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a drop in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within 3 minutes of standing up. This condition can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and can be a side effect of antihypertensive medications or other underlying medical conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Anticipated actions for the client include:
- A. Administer nifedipine.
- B. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes.
- D. Assess for urinary retention.
Contraindicated actions for the client include:
- C. Perform suctioning (since there is no indication or information suggesting the need for suctioning).
- E. Place client in supine position (as it might worsen the symptoms).
- F. Withhold pain medication for headache until other manifestations resolve (it's important to address the headache promptly, especially if acetaminophen is prescribed for pain relief).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Incorrect. Rounding the edges of toenails can lead to ingrown toenails, which should be avoided.
B. Incorrect. Soaking feet twice daily can lead to dry skin and potentially increase the risk of infection, so it's not recommended.
C. Incorrect. Using moisturizing lotion between the toes can also increase the risk of moisture-related skin issues. It's better to keep the area between the toes dry.
D. Correct. Wearing clean cotton socks helps maintain proper foot hygiene and prevents moisture accumulation, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
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