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 B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Teaching the client to tighten a muscle group, release the tension, and then move to the next one is a technique used in progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) PMR is a stress management technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This method helps individuals become more aware of the sensations associated with muscle tension and relaxation, making it an effective strategy for managing anxiety and stress.
Choice A rationale:
Thinking about a positive outcome to a stressful situation is a cognitive-behavioral technique that can help shift the client's focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. While this technique can be beneficial, it does not specifically pertain to progressive relaxation as described in choice B.
Choice C rationale:
Picturing taking the stress and pushing it out of the feet is a visualization technique, which can be helpful for some individuals in managing stress. However, it is not a component of progressive relaxation as described in choice B.
Choice D rationale:
Focusing on a pleasant memory and expressing emotions in writing is a form of journaling or expressive writing, which can be a therapeutic technique for managing emotions and stress. While it can be a helpful strategy, it is not the same as progressive relaxation involving muscle tension and release.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Storing unused patches in the refrigerator is not necessary for transdermal scopolamine patches. Refrigeration is not a requirement for their storage.
Choice B rationale:
Applying the patch prior to traveling is the correct choice. Transdermal scopolamine patches are used to prevent motion sickness. Applying the patch before the journey allows the medication to be absorbed before exposure to motion, ensuring its effectiveness during travel.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the patch on the upper arm is a specific and correct instruction for applying transdermal scopolamine patches. The patch should be placed on a clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin, preferably behind the ear or on the upper arm.
Choice D rationale:
Replacing a dislodged patch onto the same location is incorrect. If the patch becomes dislodged, it should be replaced with a new patch on a different, clean, and dry area of the skin. Reapplying a dislodged patch to the same spot may result in uneven absorption and reduced effectiveness.
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