Measuring for Orthostatic Hypotension

[mariedoreen]

Hi, I need some help. I have to do a checkoff in school for measuring orthostatic hypotension and we've been given no info on the procedure and all the books I have that talk about it are not very specific about the procedure itself.

I've got the information on what orthostatic hypotension is, but as far as measuring for it, this is what I'm thinking:

you check BP while they're laying down...

have them move to a sitting position and check BP again...

have them stand and check BP a third time...

Now here are my questions: Is there a time period you wait between each BP check? What pattern of readings will I expect if they do have orthostatic hypotension? Is there anything else I need to know about this?

Thank you!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Orthostatic hypotension is measured using pulse rate and BP:

1. Pt lies down for at least 2 minutes - obtain HR and BP

2. Move pt to sitting position - measure within one minute - HR and BP.

3. Have pt stand - measure within one minute - HR and BP.

Someone is orthostatic if:

HR rises more than 20 beats/minute when changing position or BP drops more than 20mmHg or if they have a resting tachcardia of greater than 120 bpm or if they can't tolerate the change in position without becoming dizzy.

This was taken from Sheehy's Emergency Nursing 1998 edition.

[mariedoreen]

Orthostatic hypotension is measured using pulse rate and BP:

1. Pt lies down for at least 2 minutes - obtain HR and BP

2. Move pt to sitting position - measure within one minute - HR and BP.

3. Have pt stand - measure within one minute - HR and BP.

Someone is orthostatic if:

HR rises more than 20 beats/minute when changing position or BP drops more than 20mmHg or if they have a resting tachcardia of greater than 120 bpm or if they can't tolerate the change in position without becoming dizzy.

This was taken from Sheehy's Emergency Nursing 1998 edition.

Thank you very much!