Orthostatic Hypotension (2)

Question 1

How is BP assessed in order to assess for Orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 1

BP taken in supine, sitting, and standing

Question 2

How long should you let patient stay in supine before beginning?

Answer 2

5 minutes

Question 3

How long should you let patient stay in sitting or standing before taking BP?

Answer 3

3 minutes

Question 4

What indicates Orthostatic hypotension on a BP reading?

Answer 4

A drop in systolic BP > 20 mmHg or a drop in diastolic BP > 10 mmHg

Question 5

What should you do if a patient experiences symptoms when assessing Orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 5

Only lay them back down if it’s an emergency otherwise get HR up and try to get symptoms to pass