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?

A. Bleeding gums are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. This is not typically a sign of a serious condition and can usually be managed with good oral hygiene.

B. Faintness or lightheadedness upon rising is common in pregnancy due to blood pressure changes. This can often be managed with lifestyle modifications such as rising slowly, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged standing.

C. Swelling of the face during pregnancy can be an early sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. This is a concerning symptom that requires immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.

D. Urinary frequency is a common and usually benign symptom during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder. It does not typically require urgent reporting unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, which could indicate a urinary tract infection.

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.