Question

Following an earthquake, a client who was rescued from a collapsed building is seen in the emergency department. He has blunt trauma to the thorax and abdomen. The nursing observation that most suggests the client is bleeding is:a) orthostatic hypotension.b) a prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT).c) diminished breath sounds.d) a recent history of warfarin (Coumadin) usage.

Answer 1

a) orthostatic hypotension

Step-by-step explanation:

Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when one gets up from a sitting or lying position. Typically, gravity causes blood to accumulate in the legs when the person gets up quickly. The body compensates for this by increasing its heart rate and contracting the blood vessels, ensuring sufficient blood goes to the brain. In people with orthostatic hypotension, this compensation mechanism fails and blood pressure drops, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, dizziness, blurred vision, and even fainting. Orthostatic hypotension is a strong indicator of bleeding in patients with trauma to their bodies.