Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report in individuals with orthostatic hypotension as follows:
- Any cause of fluid loss in the body, such as, warm climate with excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can contribute to low blood volume, which lowers the blood pressure, resulting in orthostatic hypotension. Report to your physician regarding any poorly controlled nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can worsen the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
- Conditions such as, acute injury or undergoing surgery, can contribute to low blood volume, which lowers the blood pressure, resulting in orthostatic 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 orthostatic hypotension.
- Orthostatic 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.
