Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
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?
Correct answer
Orthostatic hypotension is defined by a systolic blood pressure drop of 20 mm Hg or more upon standing. Increased heart rate, increased diastolic pressure, or palpitations are not specific to this condition.
Rationale
The correct answer is B. Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more upon standing. In this scenario, a decrease of 25 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure indicates orthostatic hypotension. Choice A (heart rate increase) is not specific to orthostatic hypotension. Choice C (diastolic pressure increase) is not a typical finding in orthostatic hypotension. Choice D (heart palpitations) is not a cardinal sign of orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, the correct answer is B based on the definition of orthostatic hypotension.