Final answer:
A nurse should monitor for heart failure, falls, and atherosclerosis/aneurysms in an older adult patient with chronic orthostatic hypotension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure drops when a person stands up quickly. In older adult patients with chronic orthostatic hypotension, a nurse should monitor for a few specific things:
- Heart failure: Older adults with chronic orthostatic hypotension may be at an increased risk of developing heart failure. The nurse should monitor for symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue.
- Falls: Older adults with orthostatic hypotension are prone to falling due to sudden drops in blood pressure. The nurse should assess the patient's balance and mobility and implement fall prevention strategies.
- Atherosclerosis and aneurysms: Orthostatic hypotension may be caused by underlying conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or aneurysms. The nurse should monitor for signs and symptoms associated with these conditions and report any changes to the healthcare team.