Which method will provide the most accurate measurement of the patient's heart rate?

A. Dysrhythmia. Dysrhythmia refers to an irregular heart rhythm, not necessarily a fast heart rate. Tachycardia can be regular or irregular.
B. Tachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. A pulse rate of 110 to 140 bpm falls within this range.
C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate (below 60 bpm), which is the opposite of tachycardia.
D. Pyrexia. Pyrexia refers to fever (elevated body temperature), not an increased heart rate.

A. Always take the patient's blood pressure manually using a sphygmomanometer. While manual BP measurements can be more accurate, they are not the priority intervention for orthostatic hypotension, which primarily involves position changes and fall prevention.
B. Monitor the patient's neurological status carefully for symptoms of a stroke. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or fainting, but it is not a direct cause of stroke. Neurological assessment is important if symptoms arise but is not the primary intervention.
C. Assist the patient to sit and stand slowly when getting out of bed. Orthostatic hypotension causes a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, increasing the risk of falls and syncope. The priority action is to help the patient transition slowly from lying to sitting and standing to allow the body to adjust.
D. Check the patient's blood pressure on a lower extremity using a thigh-sized cuff. Lower extremity BP measurements are not standard for managing orthostatic hypotension. Blood pressure should be checked in both lying, sitting, and standing positions to monitor for significant drops.