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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Given the client's symptoms of constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest, along with the client's appearance of anxiety, pallor, and diaphoresis, it indicates a high likelihood of an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). In this situation, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions that address the potential cardiac emergency.

Aspirin is an essential medication in the initial management of acute coronary syndrome, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction. It helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation in the coronary arteries. The chewable form of aspirin is recommended because it allows for more rapid absorption.

While evaluating extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema is important in assessing the client's overall cardiovascular status, it is not the immediate next step when faced with a suspected acute coronary event.

Securing client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a relevant step in the management of unstable angina and myocardial infarction, but it is not the immediate action to be taken in the emergency department. The client requires stabilization and initial medical interventions before procedural consent can be obtained.

Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and instituting strict intake and output measurements is not a priority action in this situation. The focus should be on addressing the potential acute coronary event and ensuring the client's cardiac stability. Urinary catheterization and monitoring of intake and output can be considered later, if necessary.

A. Release the tourniquet. B. Retract the stylet. C. Flush the catheter with saline. D. Advance the catheter into the vein.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Incorrect. Releasing the tourniquet is a step that can be taken after advancing the catheter into the vein.

B. Incorrect. Retracting the stylet at this point could disrupt the position of the catheter and cause leakage or damage.

C. Incorrect. Flushing the catheter with saline is an appropriate step after ensuring the catheter is correctly placed in the vein.

D. Correct. After noting a blood return in the flashback chamber, the next step is to advance the catheter into the vein to ensure proper placement for intravenous access.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a history of unstable angina presents to the emergency department with constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest. The client appears anxious, pale, and diaphoretic. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a peripheral IV catheter. After puncturing the skin with the vascular access device and noting a blood return in the flashback chamber, which of the following actions should the nurse perform next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?