Editing Anatomy and Physiology – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 4==
A licensed practical nurse is reinforcing teaching for an older adult who reports dizziness when getting out of bed. Which instruction is '''most appropriate'''?
# "Get up quickly so the dizziness passes faster."
# "Sit on the edge of the bed and dangle your legs for a minute before you stand."
# "Hold your breath and bear down as you rise."
# "Avoid drinking any fluids in the evening."

'''Answer:''' 2 (B). "Sit on the edge of the bed and dangle your legs for a minute before you stand."

''Rationale:'' When a person stands, gravity pools blood in the legs and reduces venous return. Baroreceptors normally correct this within seconds, but this reflex becomes less responsive with aging, producing orthostatic hypotension and fall risk. Changing position gradually gives the cardiovascular system time to compensate. Option 1 increases the risk of syncope and falls. Option 3 describes the Valsalva maneuver, which further reduces venous return and can worsen dizziness. Option 4 promotes dehydration, which lowers blood volume and makes orthostatic hypotension worse.