wondering about antihypertensives

[tampabaylpn2rn]

i am taking a test and i don't understand this question...

"All of the statements below are appropriate patient education for a patient starting on antihypertensives, EXCEPT:

1. "rise slowly when getting up from a horizontal position"

i agree with this one, don't want to cause orthostatic hypotension

2. "you can become lightheaded or dizzy when taking very hot baths or showers"

I agree with this one as well

3. " limit your fluid intake to only 6 glasses per day"

I think this one is the correct answer

4. "don't stand in one spot for a long period of time"

I don't understand this one, what does it mean in relation to the question? is this a second correct answer???

totally confused!!

thanks,

L

[JaneyW]

I would say the correct answer is 4.

[mandana]

I'm not sure at all about this, but I think the correct answer is #3.

Antihypertensives can cause excess fluid excretion through vasodilation. While renal problems can obviously be a cause of HTN, I don't think that limiting fluid is necessary unless it's specifically a renal issue.

Standing in one place can cause venous pooling which should be avoided.

Just my 2 cents.

Amanda

[llg, PhD, RN]

Some antihypertensives have a diuretic effect. So, you would definitely NOT want to limit your fluid intake. I believe your instints are right that c is the correct answer.

When people stand still without moving for long periods of time, the lack of muscle activity in the legs and can hinder the return of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. Pooling occurs in the lower extremities (feet swell, light-headedness, etc.) That's why people can pass out who stand at attention for long periods of time (e.g. soldiers, prisoners, etc.) can pass out. Combine that with the antihypertensive effect ... and you have a bad thing.

P.S. Thanks for posting your thought processes. It shows that you are/were seriously trying to answer the question yourself. Some of us are reluctant to help students who just expect us to "do their homework" for them. By sharing your thoughts, you showed that you were not one of those students. Good luck with the test!

llg