Question

A 67-year-old female patient you have in your assignment turns her call light on. Upon walking into her room, she asks for help to the bathroom. You notice that upon rising, she is dizzy and she says, 'I'm feeling lightheaded and unsteady. Can you please assist me?'

Answer 1

The elderly patient's lightheadedness upon standing may indicate orthostatic hypotension or another underlying condition, requiring evaluation and assistance by a healthcare professional.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 67-year-old female patient experiencing lightheadedness and unsteadiness upon standing could be suffering from orthostatic hypotension, which is a common issue in elderly patients. Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down, often accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, and the possibility of fainting. It is pertinent to assist the patient with ambulation and also to investigate the cause of these symptoms further as they could be an indicator of other underlying conditions such as dehydration, medication side effects, neurological disorders or cardiovascular issues. Given the patient's age and symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted to ensure proper management and treatment.