Home › CNA Practice Tests › Basic Nursing Skills Questions › Question 41
A resident says he feels dizzy and lightheaded when he stands up, but fine when lying down. This pattern most suggests what concept the nurse may want checked?
- A.A drop in blood pressure on standing, called orthostatic hypotension
- B.A rise in temperature caused by standing up
- C.A normal increase in pulse from lying down
- D.Dehydration that only affects night-time readings
Correct answer
A. A drop in blood pressure on standing, called orthostatic hypotension
Why
Feeling dizzy on standing can occur when blood pressure drops with position change, known as orthostatic or postural hypotension. The assistant should keep the resident safe, help him sit or lie down, and report it so the nurse can arrange lying, sitting, and standing checks if ordered.
Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs: Blood Pressure · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-041).