Patient CareQuestion 8 of 100
A provider orders orthostatic vital signs for a patient reporting dizziness when standing. What is the correct sequence?
a.Measure blood pressure and pulse supine, then sitting, then standing, allowing a short wait between position changes
b.Measure blood pressure standing only, three times in a row
c.Measure blood pressure lying down and repeat it in the same position after 10 minutes
d.Measure only the pulse in each position, since blood pressure does not change with position
Explanation
Orthostatic measurements compare blood pressure and pulse across positions, typically supine, then sitting, then standing, with a wait of about one to three minutes after each change so the body can respond. Repeating a reading in one position tells nothing about postural change. Blood pressure is the key value being tracked, because a significant drop on standing suggests orthostatic hypotension.
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