The patient has been admitted for hypertension.His blood pressure is normally in the 160/90 range.He has been on bed rest for the past few days,and the doctor has started him on a new blood pressure medication.The nurse is assisting the patient to move from the bed to the chair for breakfast,but when the patient tries to sit up on the side of the bed,he complains of being dizzy and nauseous.The nurse lays the patient down and takes his vital signs.His pulse is 124.His blood pressure is 130/80.The nurse realizes that this blood pressure is indicative of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs when the patient changes from a horizontal to a vertical position.It traditionally is defined as a drop in systolic or diastolic blood pressure of >20 or >10 mm Hg,respectively.Those at higher risk are immobilized patients,those undergoing prolonged bed rest,the older adult patient,those receiving antihypertensive medications,and those with chronic illnesses,such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.Signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension include dizziness,light-headedness,nausea,tachycardia,pallor,and even fainting.
Orthostatic hypertension would be an increase in blood pressure.Physiological changes associated with aging and prolonged bed rest may reduce the effectiveness of the baroreceptors.In these patients,moving to the dangling position may cause a gravity-induced drop in blood pressure; thus,it is recommended to raise the head of the bed and allow a few minutes before dangling.

The Patient Has Been Admitted for Hypertension