Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with hypotension as follows:
- Conditions such as, acute injury or undergoing surgery, can contribute to low blood volume, which lowers the blood pressure, resulting in hypotension. Individuals with active injuries/wounds or undergoing any surgical procedures must report to the physician regarding any abnormally increased drainage from the wounds, which can worsen the symptoms of hypotension.
- Hypotensive individuals with coexisting history of bleeding peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, or any other condition that can cause an internal bleed, can be at higher risk for exacerbation of hypotension. Individuals with such history must keep a close watch on the color of urine and stool. Report to the physician regarding any findings of blood in the urine or stool.
- Hypotensive individuals with increased risk for UTI or history of multiple UTIs, must keep a close watch for any evolving UTI symptoms, which can aggravate the hypotensive findings. Individuals with UTI can present with increased frequency of urination, resulting in excessive fluid loss and hypotension. Report to your physician regarding any developing signs and symptoms of UTI, such as, unexplained sudden fever, cloudy urine, foul smelling urine, low back pain, burning sensation while passing the urine, sudden increased frequency of urination.
