Patient CareQuestion 5 of 100
A technician is checking a patient for orthostatic hypotension. After measuring blood pressure while the patient is lying down, what is the correct next step?
a.Measure the pulse only, not the pressure
b.Have the patient stand or sit and re-measure blood pressure and pulse
c.Give the patient fluids before any further readings
d.Wait 30 minutes before the next reading
Explanation
Orthostatic (postural) vital signs are taken by measuring blood pressure and pulse in the lying position, then again after the patient sits or stands. A drop of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic, or a rise in pulse of 20 bpm, suggests orthostatic hypotension. Guard the patient against falling during the position change.
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