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
Explanation
A. Correct. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, which is commonly prescribed to prevent blood clotting. The INR provides information about the client's prothrombin time (PT) in relation to a standardized value.
B. Fibrinogen level measures clotting potential but is not directly related to warfarin therapy monitoring.
C. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to monitor other anticoagulants like heparin, not warfarin.
D. Platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood and is not specifically related to warfarin therapy monitoring.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Canned black beans are a good source of fiber and protein, but they are not specifically recommended for hypertension.
B. Cheese is often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular risk.
C. Correct. Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure.
D. Red meat is often high in saturated fat and is not typically recommended for individuals with hypertension.
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