Orthostatic pulse change
NCLEX-RN glossary · Reduction Of Risk Potential
Definition
The calculated measure of a heart rate increase that occurs when a patient transitions from a supine to a sitting or standing position.
Orthostatic pulse change in plain English
This is a pulse increase of ≥ 20 bpm serves as a critical red flag for hemodynamic instability, significant fluid volume deficit, or autonomic dysfunction. The tempting mistake is assuming hemodynamic stability if the blood pressure remains unchanged, while ignoring a pulse increase of ≥ 20 bpm that signifies a compensatory response.
Sign up free: all 276 NCLEX-RN terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related NCLEX-RN terms
- Absolute neutrophil count
- Absolute risk reduction
- Alcohol concentration decline estimate
- Anion gap
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)-to-Creatinine Ratio
- Contrast-associated risk
- Corrected calcium estimate
- Correcting chronic sodium disturbance too rapidly
- Culture before antimicrobials
- Developmental surveillance and dosing
NCLEX-RN practice questions · NCLEX-RN flashcards · NCLEX-RN study guide