While lying in bed, a patient has a blood pressure of 142/86 mm Hg and a heart rate of 76 beats/min. When a nurse helps the patient to sit up and dangle at the side of the bed, the patient becomes dizzy. The nurse rechecks the patient's vital signs and finds that the patient's blood pressure is now 112/54 mm Hg, and the patient's heart rate is now 98 beats/min. The next action to take would be to

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The patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing position. The best action to take is to assist the patient to a Fowler position, which is a semi-sitting position that helps to increase blood flow to the brain and prevent dizziness. Rechecking vital signs is important, but addressing the immediate symptom of dizziness is the priority. Assisting the patient to a standing position or lithotomy position (legs up and apart) would not be appropriate in this situation.

While Lying in Bed, a Patient Has a Blood Pressure