Hypotension Flashcards
What is considered hypotension?
<90/60
Treat the patient though, not the number!
Using a patient-approach, what should you consider for hypotension?
Is this low for them?
Are they having s/s of hypotension?
Is this an acute episode?
How long have you been symptomatic?
What is the patient’s baseline?
Showing signs of hypoperfusion?
What is the CC of the patient (is it related to their BP)?
When is hypotension considered pathologic?
If the patient is symptomatic
Describe the pathophysiology that leads to circulatory shock
- Lower BP
- Decrease O2 delivery
- Cellular dmg
- Inability to meet metabolic demands
What is arterial pressure determined by?
1)cardiac outpu
2)venous pressure
3)systemic vascular resistance
Any reduction in these variables can lead to hypotension.
What can cause hypotension?
Cardiogenic
Hypovolemia
Orthastasis
Sepsis
Endo (aldosterone def, diabetes typically autonomic neuropathy)
Vascular (PE, aortic disection)
Drug induced
Neurogenic (vasomotor emotional, micturition gets up to pee and then passes out men)
Why does micturition lead to hypotension in older men sometimes
Get up to pee, and stand up
What is concerning for sepsis?
FEVER + hypotension = worrisome for sepsis
What patient history is important?
What brought this on?
What events could have caused this
Medications
Pre-existing medical conditions
Are they symptomatic
What are the symptoms of hypotension
Lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope (d/t decreased perfusion to brain)
Nausea
Confusion
Fatigue
These are d/t hypoperfusion to brian, organs, and skin and vary based on what cause the episode, their age, health
What are the PE do you do for hypotension?
Vitals
Skin (decreased perfusion, clammy skin, decreased capillary refill, pail)
Neurologic
Heart
Lungs
Abdomen
Vascular
What vitals do you look for in hypotension?
Bradycardia or Tachycardia
What do you look for in skin for hypotension?
Pallor
Diaphoresis
Cool, clammy
Prolonged capillary refill
What do you look for in neuro for hypotension?
Altered LOC (level of consciousness)
What 3 s/s overlaps in hypo and hypertension
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea
What diagnostic testing do you order for hypotension?
Based on dx
EKG (if heart problems)
echocardiogram (valves)
CBC (losing blood ask if there are stools)
CMP
UA
Urine drug screen
CT head (if AMS)
How do you manage hypotension initially?
Most (even heart attack patients) are first managed with NS
How do you manage hypovolemic patient
Fluids
How do you manage septic?
Fluids and then antibiotics
How do you manage aortic dissection patient?
Massive fluids and ER referral
Who do we need to make sure to be careful to give NS?
HF patients because we are worried about fluid overload (d/t inability to pump blood around body)
What is orthostatic hypotension and the BP readings? How long does it take to occur?
Drop of one or both of the following upon standing from a lying position:
At least a 20 mmHg fall in SBP
At least a 10 mmHg fall in DBP
Usually occurs within 2 to 5 minutes
What can cause orthostatic hypotension? Who does it MC in and why?
Impaired autonomic reflexes
Volume depletion
MC in elderly d/t impaired baroreceptors
What is your normal response to standing?
Rapid decrease in venos return and CO detected to baroreceptors, leading to:
- Increase heart rate
- Increase peripheral vascular resistance
- Therefore, increasing cardiac output and limiting the actual drop in SBP
Where are baroreceptors located?
In the carotids
What typically causes orthostatic hypotension?
Prolonged lying or sitting
Volume depletion (from sweating)
Autonomic failure (especially in elderly)
Neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s
Neuropathies, as a result of DM, B12 deficiency, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease
Medications:
A common side effect due to a variety of mechanisms, including peripheral vasodilation, autonomic dysfunction, and volume depletion
What are the HTN meds that can cause orthostatic hypotension?
Alpha-1 antagonists
Anti-HTN (BB, clonidine)
Diuretics
Antidepressants (tricylics, MAOIs)
Opioids