Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of Coronary and Peripheral Blood Vessels Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of Coronary and Peripheral Blood Vessels related questions and content

Clients taking vasodilator drugs have a greater risk for postprandial hypotension. Which of the following is the best nursing explanation for this phenomenon?

  • A. Gravity pulls blood to the lower extremities while sitting
  • B. Blood is being diverted to the gastrointestinal tract
  • C. Decreased peripheral blood flow results
  • D. Bronchospasms are increased when food enters the stomach
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During digestion, blood is diverted to the GI tract which decreases cerebral blood flow and increases potential of orthostatic hypotension. Although gravity does pull blood to the lower extremities while sitting, this is not the primary concern with postprandial hypotension. Decreased peripheral blood flow does not result in postprandial hypotension. Bronchospasms are associated more with asthma not diversion of blood flow.