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Introduction
As a person ages, the heart and blood vessels undergo changes. A medical assistant may be asked to obtain vital signs to evaluate the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension.
Instructions
- Type in the answers to the following questions using the text function.
- Explain the functions of arteries and veins, including the way they send blood through the body.
- Describe the procedure for assessing orthostatic hypotension in a patient.
- Provide at least two causes of orthostatic hypotension occurring as the body ages.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Arteries and veins play vital roles in the circulatory system to ensure the transport of oxygenated blood from the heart to various body tissues and the return of deoxygenated blood back to the heart. This process is essential for maintaining the overall health and functionality of the body. In addition, assessing orthostatic hypotension is crucial for medical professionals to detect potential blood pressure abnormalities in patients. Furthermore, understanding the causes of orthostatic hypotension occurring with age is essential for providing appropriate care and treatment for individuals.
Answer 1:
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart and towards the body tissues. They have strong, elastic walls that enable them to handle the high pressure generated by the pumping action of the heart. The primary function of arteries is to distribute oxygen and essential nutrients to all cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. Arteries are further divided into smaller branches known as arterioles, which regulate blood flow by constricting or dilating according to the body’s needs. Overall, arteries play a critical role in maintaining proper blood circulation and delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.
Veins, on the other hand, are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Unlike arteries, veins have thinner and less muscular walls. This design allows veins to accommodate a larger volume of blood and operate at lower pressure. Veins also contain one-way valves that prevent the backward flow of blood, aiding in the return of blood to the heart. Additionally, veins have the ability to expand and contract to facilitate blood flow and act as reservoirs for excess blood volume. Their main function is to transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart for reoxygenation and elimination of waste products.
Together, arteries and veins form a closed circulatory system. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body tissues, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart for reoxygenation. This coordinated effort ensures the continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells and the removal of metabolic waste products.
Answer 2:
Assessing orthostatic hypotension involves monitoring and evaluating changes in a patient’s blood pressure when transitioning from lying down to standing up. The procedure generally includes the following steps:
1. Prepare the patient: Explain the purpose of the assessment and any associated sensations they may experience. Ensure the patient is in a supine (lying down) position for at least 5 minutes before starting the assessment.
2. Measure baseline vital signs: Record the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate (if necessary) while they are lying down. These measurements serve as a reference point for comparison.
3. Assist the patient in standing up: Gradually help the patient rise from the supine position to a standing position. Encourage them to stand still and avoid any movement or sudden position changes for at least 3 minutes.
4. Reassess vital signs: After the patient has stood for the specified duration, measure their blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate again. Note any significant changes in these parameters.
5. Document and interpret the results: Compare the baseline measurements with the postural measurements. A drop in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or more, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, indicates the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
Remember to maintain patient safety throughout the procedure and provide support if they experience any adverse effects or unsteadiness during the test.
Answer 3:
Orthostatic hypotension can occur more frequently with age due to various factors. Here are two common causes:
1. Age-related autonomic changes: The autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating blood pressure, can undergo alterations with age. Specifically, the baroreceptors, which detect changes in blood pressure and signal the necessary adjustments, may become less sensitive. This decreased sensitivity can lead to a delayed response in compensating for blood pressure fluctuations when transitioning from lying down to standing up. Consequently, a drop in blood pressure can occur, resulting in orthostatic hypotension.
2. Medications: Older adults often take multiple medications to manage chronic health conditions. Some medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, may lower blood pressure excessively when combined or taken in higher doses. This exaggerated blood pressure reduction can contribute to orthostatic hypotension. Additionally, certain medications may impair autonomic function or cause blood volume depletion, further increasing the risk of developing orthostatic hypotension.
It is important to consider these age-related factors and medication usage when evaluating orthostatic hypotension in older patients, as they can guide appropriate interventions and management strategies tailored to each individual’s needs.
