Question

A nurse is taking care of a patient with chronic orthostatic hypotension admitted to a med/surg unit. The nurse identifies a drop in systolic pressure of at least 25 mm of Mercury and the patient report dizziness and feeling of being ready to faint. What interventions by the nurse should BE taken to preserve patient safety?

Answer 1

First of all the nurse has to check the blood pressure and document the value. Then the patient must be askes to lie down and the head end of the bed should be down and the foot end should be higher to encourage good amount of venous return.

2. Monitor the patient haemodymnamic status i.e. pulse, Blood pressure, 02 saturation etc. to identify any further deterioration of the condition.

3. Inform the on duty medical officer. Volume expanders can be prescribed.

4. Advice the patient to avoid sudden change of posture. Example.. if the patient wants to stand up from lying position..first she should sit on the edge of the bed, dangle her legs for 5 mins..then she can be asked to stand up slowly with support.