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
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Absence seizures typically do not have an aura. They are characterized by a sudden and brief loss of awareness without warning.
B. Correct. Absence seizures often involve a brief period of staring and decreased responsiveness. They can indeed be mistaken for daydreaming, as they are not as dramatic as other types of seizures.
C. Incorrect. Absence seizures are usually very brief, lasting only a few seconds (often less than 10 seconds), rather than 30 to 60 seconds.
D. Incorrect. Absence seizures have a sudden and abrupt onset, not a gradual one. They occur without warning and without a preceding aura.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A.Jogging or any form of vigorous exercise, especially high-impact activities, should generally be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks after retinal surgery. This is because high-impact activities can increase intraocular pressure and potentially disrupt the healing retina. Jogging involves bouncing or jolting movements, which could adversely affect the repair.
B. Bending at the waist places increased pressure on the eye and can disrupt the healing process after retinal surgery. This action increases intraocular pressure and is typically discouraged postoperatively.
C. Light lifting, such as lifting objects under 10 pounds, is typically allowed after several weeks of recovery, once the initial healing has occurred and the client is no longer at risk for increasing intraocular pressure or straining the surgical site.
D. While sewing itself is a low-impact activity, the act of sewing typically involves bending over or placing the head below the waist, which could still increase intraocular pressure. Early postoperative instructions often caution against activities that involve bending or straining the eyes, such as sewing, reading, or watching TV for extended periods.
D. Correct. After surgical repair of a detached retina, clients should avoid activities that might increase intraocular pressure, like heavy lifting or bending at the waist. Activities that do not strain the eye, like sewing, can typically be resumed earlier.
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