Your patient is a 78-year-old male who has had outpatient surgery. You are getting him up for his first walk postoperatively. To decrease the potential for orthostatic hypotension, what should you plan to have the patient do?
A) Sit in a chair for 10 minutes prior to ambulating
B) Drink plenty of fluids to increase circulating blood volume
C) Stand upright for 2 to 3 minutes prior to ambulating
D) Sit upright on the side of the bed for 15 minutes prior to ambulating
Ans: C
Feedback: Older adults are at an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension secondary to age-related changes in vascular tone. The patient should sit up and then stand for 2 to 3 minutes before ambulating to alleviate orthostatic hypotension. Therefore options A, B, and D are incorrect.
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