A patient with a spinal cord injury has experienced several hypotensive episodes. How can the nurse best address the patient's risk for orthostatic hypotension?
A) Administer an IV bolus of normal saline prior to repositioning.
B) Maintain bed rest until normal BP regulation returns.
C) Monitor the patient's BP before and during position changes.
D) Allow the patient to initiate repositioning.
Ans: C
Feedback:
To prevent hypotensive episodes, close monitoring of vital signs before and during position changes is essential. Prolonged bed rest carries numerous risks and it is not possible to provide a bolus before each position change. Following the patient's lead may or may not help regulate BP.
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