A nurse is caring for a client who is taking antihypertensive medication and is moving from a supine to a sitting position.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing orthostatic hypotension?
The client's heart rate increases by 10/min.
The client's diastolic blood pressure increases by 10 mm Hg.
The client reports heart palpitations.
The client's systolic blood pressure decreases by 25 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
An increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal physiological response to compensate for decreased venous return and maintain cardiac output. This response does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
An increase in diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg when moving from a supine to a sitting position is a normal response to compensate for the effects of gravity on blood flow. It helps maintain perfusion to vital organs and does not indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice C rationale:
Heart palpitations can occur due to various reasons, including anxiety or arrhythmias, but they are not specific signs of orthostatic hypotension. This symptom alone does not confirm the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
A decrease in systolic blood pressure by 25 mm Hg or more when moving from a supine to a sitting position indicates orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a drop in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within 3 minutes of standing up. This condition can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and can be a side effect of antihypertensive medications or other underlying medical conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Encouraging a focus on tertiary health interventions might not address the preventive health needs of the population.
B. Incorrect. While raising awareness about industrial pollution is important, it might not be the primary focus of a public health program in a rural area.
C. Incorrect. Utilizing a nurse from outside the community might not be the most effective approach for understanding the specific health needs and context of the local population.
D. Correct. Providing anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools is a community-based preventive approach that can address the health needs of families and children in the area.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Opioid medications can cause constipation, and increasing fluid intake helps prevent dehydration and promotes bowel regularity. However, it does not directly prevent cosntipation.
B. Incorrect. While some laxatives or stool softeners might be recommended, mineral oil is generally not recommended due to its potential to interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
C. Incorrect. Increasing insoluble fiber intake, rather than decreasing it, can help prevent constipation.
D. Increasing exercise is key in preventing constipation caused by opiod analgesics
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