When obtaining blood pressure on a patient in a standing position, the patient states that he suddenly feels weak and is going to pass out. Your immediate action should be to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension, and returning them to a supine position will improve blood flow to the brain and prevent fainting. Palpating the blood pressure or holding the patient upright will not address the immediate issue at hand, and asking about chest pain is important, but not the first priority.

When Obtaining Blood Pressure on a Patient in a Standing