Orthostatic Hypotension

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“Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which there is insufficient recovery of the blood pressure drop which occurs after getting up, which causes a temporary reduction of cerebral perfusion. This increases the risk of falls resulting in injuries (JAHR, 2018).” When lying blood pools in the legs and the abdomen when changing positions from lying, to sitting, to standing. A person may exhibit clinical symptoms of OH when systolic pressure drops below at least 20 mmHg and diastolic drops at least 10 mmHg during position transition. 2. Explain the steps of assessing orthostatic vital signs. Does Mr. O’Brien exhibit signs of orthostatic vital signs? Explain. To obtain orthostatic vitals “allow the patient to rest supine while obtaining …show more content…

O Brien exhibits orthostatic BP as his position changes. As his BP decreases, his pulse and respirations increase to compensate for the baroreceptors sense of low BP. Lying his BP is 120/84, P73, R 16, sitting the BP drops slightly, pulse and respirations increase slightly to compensate to 114/73, P 83, as he stands the BP drops to 96/61, the pulse and respirations drastically increase to perfuse and oxygenate for the low BP. 3. Which clients are at greatest risk for falls in the acute care setting? Consider physiological and environmental risk factors for falls. Patients at greatest risk for OH are the elder population 65 and older. “Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among older people. (Lampela, Lavikainen, Huupponen, Leskinen & Hartikainen, 2013)” Several risk factors must be taken into consideration when assessing fall risk. Physiological factors include dehydration, muscle weakness, impaired mobility, unstable gait, poor balance due to pain, musculoskeletal deformities and neurologic disorders. Endurance and sensation alterations include activity intolerance, foot problems and neuropathy. Also, impaired vision related to glaucoma, cataracts and poor depth perception can lead to falls. It is also necessary to take a patient’s medication history into consideration. Some medications increase the risk for falls such as benzodiazepines, narcotics and antihypertensives. Environmental factors likewise play a role in fall risk. Unfamiliar surroundings can cause confusion with patients and other safety hazards such as cluttered areas and poorly lite

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