A 68-year old woman reports dizziness, which has been bothering her for about a week. It seems to occur every time she stands up. Once or twice she has nearly fallen. When she gets dizzy, she feels her heart pounding and she has the sensation that she might faint. She has also noticed that her bowel movements have turned black. Her prescribed medications include: levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and simvastatin for high cholesterol. She has recently started to take over-the-counter ibuprofen for aching joints. She is allergic to penicillin. You should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including dizziness upon standing, heart pounding, and the sensation of nearly fainting, suggest orthostatic hypotension. The black bowel movements could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, possibly related to her use of ibuprofen, which can cause such issues. Checking for orthostatic blood pressure and pulse changes can help confirm this diagnosis.

A 68-Year Old Woman Reports Dizziness, Which Has Been Bothering