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
A. Incorrect. A pale appearance and fluid deficit of 30 mL over 24 hours might require intervention but is not as critical as sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes.
B. Correct. Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes are signs of dehydration, a potential complication of gastroenteritis. These findings should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
C. Incorrect. A slightly elevated temperature and an increased pulse rate are common responses to infection and fever in infants.
D. Incorrect. Decreased appetite and irritability can be expected in infants with gastroenteritis and are not as concerning as signs of dehydration.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Correct. Reinforcing orientation to time, place, and person helps ground the client in reality, even if their memory is impaired.
B. Incorrect. While it's important to provide the client with some choices, too many options can be overwhelming and confusing.
C. Correct. Providing one simple direction at a time helps prevent confusion and frustration for clients with dementia.
D. Correct. Establishing eye contact while communicating can enhance the client's focus and understanding.
E. Incorrect. It's generally not effective to try to refute a client's delusions using logic.
Redirecting or validating their feelings might be more appropriate.
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