A patient's blood pressure suddenly drops from 132/82 to 104/52.The nurse notes that the patient's skin is pale and the patient appears ready to faint.What is the priority action of the nurse?

A) Report the findings to the health care provider immediately.
B) Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit.
C) Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees.
D) Immediately check the patient for orthostatic hypotension.

Question

angelo quiben · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Signs and symptoms associated with hypotension include pallor,skin mottling,clamminess,confusion,dizziness,chest pain,increased heart rate,and decreased urine output.Hypotension is usually life threatening and needs to be reported immediately to the patient's health care provider.Assessing the patient for a pulse deficit is not the priority action of the nurse.Having the patient sit and stand to check for orthostatic hypotension will further lower the blood pressure.The head of the patient's bed should be lowered rather than raised to facilitate blood flow to the brain and prevent fainting.

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