In a patient assessment, what does the term "orthostatic hypotension" refer to?

In a patient assessment, what does the term "orthostatic hypotension" refer to?

• A. A significant increase in blood pressure upon standing
• B. A minor drop in heart rate
• C. A significant drop in blood pressure upon changing positions
• D. A stable blood pressure regardless of position

Answer: (C)

Orthostatic hypotension refers to a significant drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person changes positions, particularly from lying down to standing up. This condition can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting, as the body may not be able to adequately compensate for the sudden change in posture and the blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced. When a person stands up, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower parts of the body, which can lead to a decrease in venous return to the heart and subsequently lower blood pressure. To combat this, the body typically responds by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs. However, in cases of orthostatic hypotension, this compensatory mechanism is impaired, leading to the notable drop in blood pressure. The other options describe situations that do not accurately represent the physiological changes associated with posture changes. For instance, a significant increase in blood pressure upon standing would be contrary to the condition of orthostatic hypotension. A minor drop in heart rate does not correlate to the significant blood pressure changes this condition entails. Lastly, stable blood pressure regardless of position implies that the body effectively adapts to the change in posture, which is not

Orthostatic hypotension refers to a significant drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person changes positions, particularly from lying down to standing up. This condition can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting, as the body may not be able to adequately compensate for the sudden change in posture and the blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced.

When a person stands up, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower parts of the body, which can lead to a decrease in venous return to the heart and subsequently lower blood pressure. To combat this, the body typically responds by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs. However, in cases of orthostatic hypotension, this compensatory mechanism is impaired, leading to the notable drop in blood pressure.

The other options describe situations that do not accurately represent the physiological changes associated with posture changes. For instance, a significant increase in blood pressure upon standing would be contrary to the condition of orthostatic hypotension. A minor drop in heart rate does not correlate to the significant blood pressure changes this condition entails. Lastly, stable blood pressure regardless of position implies that the body effectively adapts to the change in posture, which is not