A 78-year-old patient is getting up for the first walk postoperatively. To decrease the potential for orthostatic hypotension, the nurse should plan to have the patient:
A) Sit in a chair for 10 minutes prior to ambulating.
B) Encourage the patient to 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 stand in 2 to 3 minutes to alleviate orthostatic hypotension.
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