Word parts
What it means
Orthostatic changes happen when a person stands up. orthostatic hypotensionor-thuh-STAT-ik hy-poh-TEN-shunA drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from lying or sitting.ortho- uprightstat standinghypo- belowtension pressureFull entry is a drop in blood pressure on standing, usually a fall of 20 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure or 10 mm Hg or more in diastolic pressure within 3 minutes, which can cause dizziness and falls. Orthostatic vital signs are blood pressure and pulse taken lying, sitting and standing to look for it.
For the nurse
Teach clients, especially older adults and those on blood pressure medicine, to sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing. Stay close when a client first gets up after surgery or bed rest.
At a glance
| Spanish | ortostático |
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Related terms
ortho-
A word beginning that means straight, upright or correct.
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
dizziness
A feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady or off balance, or that the room is spinning.
orthostatic hypotension
A drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from lying or sitting.