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Hemodynamics

  • NCLEX-PN
  • Physiological Adaptation
  • Multiple choice
  • Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

A client’s pressure is 132/78 mmHg lying down and 106/76 mmHg after standing for two minutes. Which interpretation should the nurse report?

  1. The change meets the orthostatic hypotension criterion.✓ Correct

    The systolic decrease exceeds the specified threshold.

  2. The change is an increase in systolic pressure.✗ Incorrect

    The upper value decreased.

  3. The diastolic pressure rose by 20 mmHg.✗ Incorrect

    The lower value decreased slightly.

  4. The readings show no positional change.✗ Incorrect

    The upper value changed considerably.

Answer

A. The change meets the orthostatic hypotension criterion.

Rationale

The systolic reading fell by 26 mmHg within the measurement window. That change meets the criterion for orthostatic hypotension.

RememberA substantial pressure drop after standing can indicate orthostatic hypotension.

Sources

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