CSC Cardiac Nursing Subspecialty

Answer: A - Graduated compression stockings should help ease the symptoms. Neurally mediated hypotension is a condition that causes a drop in blood pressure after standing for long periods. The symptoms associated with neurally mediated hypotension include dizziness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, confusion, and fainting or syncope. The condition tends to affect younger adults and is caused by a malfunction between the brain and cardiovascular system that causes blood pooling in the legs and feet, leading to a sudden drops in blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications include the vagal maneuver, increased sodium intake, and use of graduated compression stockings. Pharmacologic agents such as beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic inhibitors, and agents that maintain salt in the kidneys can improve the symptoms.