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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?

A.

The client's heart rate increases by 10/min.

B.

The client's diastolic blood pressure increases by 10 mm Hg.

C.

The client reports heart palpitations.

D.

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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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, may be more visible in areas where the skin is thinner. The sacrum is not reliable especially in the dark colored individuals.
B. Palms of the hand is reliable site for assessing for cyanosis.
C. Incorrect. Shoulders are not a common location to assess for cyanosis. Areas with thinner skin, such as the lips, oral mucosa, and nail beds, are usually observed for cyanosis.
D. Incorrect. Areas of trauma are not specifically used to assess for cyanosis. Cyanosis is a clinical sign that indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Indicated:

Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client’s blood pressure at least 90/60 mmHg: - The client is hypotensive (76/45 mmHg), likely due to acute blood loss anemia from a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Adjusting the transfusion rate helps stabilize BP while preventing volume overload.

Stay with the client for the first 15 minutes of the transfusion: The highest risk of a transfusion reaction (e.g., hemolysis, anaphylaxis, febrile reaction) occurs within the first 15 minutes, so the nurse must remain with the client for close monitoring.

Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: The client’s condition (hypotension, tachycardia, history of melena) suggests GI bleeding and significant blood loss. RBC transfusion is required to restore oxygen-carrying capacity and improve perfusion.

Document the blood product transfusion in the client’s medical records: Proper documentation includes blood product type, volume infused, time started and completed, client response, and any adverse reactions. This ensures compliance with safety protocols.

Not Indicated:

Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution: Lactated Ringer’s (LR) is incompatible with blood products because it contains calcium, which can cause clotting in the IV line. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used instead.

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