Question

An older patient has hypertension .he took his medication as

ordered but becomes very dizzy and confused following the daily
dosage of several prescribed drugs. what action can the nurse take
to help

Answer 1

The nurse can take several actions to help an older patient with hypertension who becomes dizzy and confused after taking prescribed drugs. These actions include assessing the patient's blood pressure and symptoms, reviewing the medication regimen, recommending dosage modifications and lifestyle changes, and closely monitoring the patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops below the homeostatic set point when standing up. This can happen due to various reasons, such as low blood volume or medications that affect fluid balance. In the case of an older patient with hypertension, the dizziness and confusion may be a side effect of the prescribed drugs. The nurse can take the following actions to help:

1. Assess the patient's blood pressure and symptoms to confirm orthostatic hypotension.
2. Review the patient's medication regimen with the healthcare provider to identify any potential drug interactions or side effects that may be causing the symptoms.
3. Recommend modifications to the medication dosage or timing to minimize the dizziness and confusion.
4. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake and consume a sufficient amount of salt, if appropriate, to improve blood volume.
5. Advise the patient to change positions slowly and avoid abrupt movements, which can exacerbate orthostatic hypotension.
6. Monitor the patient closely for any changes in symptoms or blood pressure and report them to the healthcare provider.