What Are Orthostatic Vital Signs?

on الأحد، 10 أغسطس 2014

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.

0 التعليقات:

إرسال تعليق