A patient is seen in the clinic for complaints of "fainting episodes that started last week." How should the nurse proceed with the examination?
a. Blood pressure readings are taken in both the arms and the thighs.
b. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and his blood pressure is taken.
c. His blood pressure is recorded in the lying, sitting, and standing positions.
d. His blood pressure is recorded in the lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.
ANS: C
If the person is known to have hypertension, is taking antihypertensive medications, or reports a history of fainting or syncope, then the blood pressure reading should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing.
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