Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Simulated
A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications? Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The additive effect of multiple antihypertensives, each lowering blood pressure, caused severe hypotension (70/40 mm Hg), leading to syncope. Holding the medications prevents further blood pressure drops. Synergistic toxicity or antagonistic interactions are less likely, and diuresis alone does not explain the severity.