Nurse Teaching on Chronic Complications of Orthostatic Hypotension

Patient was educated on chronic complications of orthostatic hypotension as follows: Complications of orthostatic hypotension result from recurrent episodes of hypoperfusion of many oxygen dependent vital organs with oxygen enriched blood. They can be classified as acute and chronic, depending on the rapidity at which they present. Chronic complications could include Stroke – Hypoperfusion and reduced oxygen delivery to brain, secondary to prolonged episodes of orthostatic hypotension can result in stroke. Angina and MI – [...]

Nurse Teaching on Acute Complications of Orthostatic Hypotension

Patient was educated on acute complications of orthostatic hypotension as follows: Complications of orthostatic hypotension result from recurrent episodes of hypoperfusion of many oxygen dependent vital organs with oxygen enriched blood. They can be classified as acute and chronic, depending on the rapidity at which they present. Acute complications could include Episodes of confusion and disorientation Difficulty concentrating and thinking Fall, secondary to hypotension and confusion Acute loss of consciousness and syncope

Nurse Teaching on Signs and Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension

Patient/caregiver was educated upon signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension as follows: Blood pressure is the force driving the blood flow to vital organs, such as, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain, helping these organs receive nutrients and oxygen through the blood. Blood pressure numbers in normal range are needed to maintain this force, for the vital organs to receive the needed blood supply. For organs located below the heart level, apart from the blood pressure, [...]

Medication Causes for Orthostatic Hypotension

Patient was educated on medication causes for orthostatic hypotension as follows: Use of diuretic medications, such as, Lasix, result in loss of excess fluid volume and can contribute to episodes of orthostatic hypotension easily. Use of vasodilator medications, such as, isosorbide mono and dinitrates and hydralazine, result in reduced blood pressure. Compensatory responses to sudden change in position and reduced blood return, such as, autonomic vasoconstriction and elevation of blood pressure can be blunted in [...]

Pathophysiology of Orthostatic Hypotension

Patient/caregiver was educated on pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension as follows: Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure, secondary to abrupt change in body posture. A sudden drop of atleast 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure or a drop of atleast 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, induced by change in body position, would qualify for orthostatic hypotension. The symptoms are usually experienced, when an individual assumes a sudden erect posture, from [...]