The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted to the hospital with dehydration and gastroenteritis. The patient attempted to walk to the bathroom and fainted right after getting out of bed. Which is the most likely cause of the patient's collapse?
A) Orthostatic hypotension
B) Circulatory overload
C) Hemolytic reaction
D) Catheter embolism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient with dehydration is at risk for orthostatic hypotension, or falling of the blood pressure when the patient rises to a standing position. When the blood pressure falls sufficiently, fainting may occur. The patient should be assisted to rise slowly from a supine to a sitting position first before slowly getting to his feet.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Admitted