A nurse is taking a blood pressure measurement to assess for orthostatic hypotension in a client. Which signs and symptoms will the nurse assess related to this condition? (Select all that apply.)
Client reports feeling dizzy when sitting up from a supine position.
Client reports feeling palpitations when rising from a supine to a standing position.
Erythema is present on the bilateral lower extremities
The client has a temperature of 100.4 F
The client states, “I feel lightheaded when sitting up.”
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Client reports feeling dizzy when sitting up from a supine position.
Dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from a lying down to a sitting or standing position can be indicative of orthostatic hypotension.
B. Client reports feeling palpitations when rising from a supine to a standing position.
Palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat) can be associated with orthostatic changes and may indicate the heart's compensatory response to low blood pressure.
C. Erythema is present on the bilateral lower extremities.
Erythema (redness of the skin) is not typically associated with orthostatic hypotension. This symptom is more likely related to skin conditions or other causes.
D. The client has a temperature of 100.4 F.
Fever (elevated body temperature) is not a direct symptom of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is primarily related to changes in blood pressure upon assuming an upright position.
E. The client states, “I feel lightheaded when sitting up.”
Lightheadedness upon sitting up or standing is a common symptom of orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Comatose:
Coma refers to a state of deep unconsciousness where the individual is unresponsive to stimuli, including pain or external stimulation. In the scenario described, the patient is not comatose because they can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name.
B. Awake and alert:
This term describes a state of full alertness and responsiveness to the environment. The patient in the scenario is not fully awake and alert since they appear drowsy most of the time and require external stimuli to be awakened.
C. Lethargic:
Lethargy is characterized by drowsiness, reduced alertness, and a sluggish response to stimuli. In the scenario, the patient is described as drowsy most of the time but can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name. This aligns with the characteristics of lethargy.
D. Stuporous:
Stupor is a state of reduced responsiveness where the individual can be aroused only by vigorous or painful stimuli. The patient in the scenario does not fit the criteria for stupor as they can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assess the pedal pulses with a Doppler device:
Assessing the pedal pulses with a Doppler device may be useful in certain situations, but when the radial pulse is irregular, it's more important to assess the central (apical) pulse to get a more accurate representation of the heart's rhythm.
B. Assess the apical pulse with a Doppler device:
While using a Doppler device on the apical pulse is an option, it's generally not the first choice when assessing irregular pulses. The apical pulse can often be palpated manually, and it's more practical to assess it directly for irregularities.
C. Assess the apical pulse for a full minute:
This is the recommended action when the radial pulse is irregular. By assessing the apical pulse for a full minute, the nurse can accurately determine the heart rate and identify any irregularities in rhythm, providing a comprehensive assessment of the cardiac status.
D. Assess the pedal pulses for a full minute:
While assessing the pedal pulses is important in certain situations, it may not be the priority when dealing with an irregular radial pulse. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute gives a more direct and accurate reflection of the heart's rhythm.
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