A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?
a. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient's position.
b. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
c. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
d. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient's age.
ANS: B
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in systolic pressure of more than 20 mm Hg, which occurs with a quick change to a standing position. Aging people have the greatest risk of this problem.
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