Patients on particular medications, or with certain underlying medical conditions, may experience orthostatic hypotension when arising from bed or a chair. If the patient has stepped far enough away from the bed or chair to return safely, suggest that he or she quickly find either a blank part of the nearest wall or the nearest door frame. The patient should then put his or her back to the wall or door frame, and slide down onto his or her rump. Even if the patient passes out on the way down, he or she is very unlikely to land on the face or risk a broken bone from a fall.—Dennise Richardson, PhD, PA-C (ret), Seven Points, Texas
Continue Reading
These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have a clinical pearl, submit it here.
