Question

Suzanne J. a 42 year old woman, is being treated for schizophrenia and has been prescribed an antipsychotic chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, and her pulse rate is 120 bpm. She has difficulty holding down a job and is currently living in a women's shelter. The shelter has a van that brings clients to your public health clinic for dental care. Suzanne has a history of noncompliance with her medication and has been brought to the clinic because she has been complaining of pain in her jaw. She has rampant cervical caries, and her oral hygiene is poor. When you attempt to take radiographs, she becomes upset and says that she does not want "that ray gun" pointed at her. Her caseworker is able to convince her to cooperate, but she is fearful, and her jaws keep opening and closing spasmodically throughout the procedure. When the dentist comes into the room, she becomes agitated, jumps up, and tries to leave the treatment room but loses consciousness and falls.

Which is the most likely explanation as to why Suzanne fainted when she jumped up suddenly?
A. Low blood pressure
B. Medication toxicity
C. Psychogenic shock and anxiety
D. Medication-induced orthostatic hypotension

Answer 1

The most likely reason for Suzanne fainting upon standing up suddenly is medication-induced orthostatic hypotension option (D) caused by her antipsychotic medication, chlorpromazine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation as to why Suzanne fainted when she jumped up suddenly is D. Medication-induced orthostatic hypotension. Antipsychotics like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), which Suzanne has been prescribed for schizophrenia, can lead to orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly, and it interferes with blood flow to the brain, causing symptoms like dizziness or fainting. Since Suzanne's pulse rate is high, and she's on chlorpromazine, which has hypotensive effects, her collapsing upon standing up indicates orthostatic hypotension potentially triggered by her medication.