A nurse on the medical surgical floor is caring for a patient admitted with syncope and dehydration. Upon assessment of the patient, the blood pressure is found to be 82/48. The patient has complaints of dizziness and lightheadedness. Which of the following should be the initial nursing intervention?

Explanation

•Patients with symptomatic hypotension related to dehydration and who have complaints of dizziness and lightheadedness should be placed supine with the feet elevated higher than the head. This position allows more blood to remain in the upper body allows more oxygen to reach the brain.

•This position will help reduce symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness and is the first intervention that should be used to relieve symptoms.

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