What Are Orthostatic Vital Signs?
Orthostatic vital signs, also called tilt or postural vital signs, measure blood pressure and pulse rate
while patients are sitting, standing or in a supine position, lying
face upward. The results of these measurements are used to assess
possible volume depletion, such as with blood loss, vomiting, or
diarrhea. Physicians use the results to determine if patients need
further testing, intravenous fluid replacement therapy, or other forms
of treatment.
The
technique for taking orthostatic vital signs requires healthcare
providers to take two sets of measurements. First, patients go into the
supine position for one to three minutes before blood pressure and pulse
readings are taken. Patients who are not feeling dizzy and are able to
walk on their own can skip the sitting measurement and move right to
standing. Those who are brought into a medical facility by ambulance or wheelchair or those suffering from dizziness
are placed in a supported sitting position for the second reading. In
order to ensure an accurate comparison, the orthostatic vital signs must
be taken on the same arm during both measurements.
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