Tilt table for P.O.T.S

[ERNRS13]

Quick question for cardiac nurses-- I am having a tilt table test in the near future to test for POTS. I was wondering what to expect during the procedure? How do the patient normally react, and yes, I understand that all patient will react differently. I have done extensive research but I could use some individual real life stories.

[Dirkje45]

the nurse will lay you on a swivel table in a supine position. safety straps will be placed across your legs and chest to keep you from falling once the table is tilted upright. you will have a 20g iv with kvo fluids running. telemety will be applied, your hr and bp will constantly monitored during the procedure. you will have large patches applied to your chest which are connected to an external pacer. it is only a precautionary measure, in the majority of pts the slow hr, if there is one, is transient.

after obtaining your baseline hr and bp and a rhythm strip, the table is tilted up to an angle of 80 degrees. this simulates going from a supine to a standing position. the change in position can cause the hr and bp to rise your body's reaction per the hr, bp and ekg will be noted. frequently the doctor will order a ntg 0.4 to be placed under your tongue once you are in a standing position. depending upon the physician and the protocol of the facility, the duration of time spent in the supine and upright position can vary from 5 to 30 minutes. mostly it's 5-10 minutes.