Engage Fundamentals RN Vital Signs Practice Test

The key idea is that orthostatic hypotension causes a drop in blood flow to the brain when you stand, so the most common symptom is lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing. When you stand up quickly, blood can pool in the legs and abdomen, lowering venous return to the heart. If the body can’t compensate quickly enough, blood pressure falls and cerebral perfusion decreases, leading to feeling faint or woozy. Chest pain isn’t typical for this condition and would suggest a heart-related problem; shortness of breath can occur with other issues but isn’t the classic sign of orthostatic hypotension; numbness in the feet isn’t related to the posture-related blood pressure change. Some people may even faint due to the drop in blood pressure, but the primary symptom to recognize is lightheadedness when standing.