Which sign is asked during a General Health Screen?

Which sign is asked during a General Health Screen?

• A. Headache
• B. Orthostatic Hypotension
• C. Edema
• D. Nasal Congestion

Answer: (B)

General Health Screen aims to catch signs of cardiovascular or autonomic issues before starting therapy. The sign that is specifically asked about is orthostatic hypotension because it directly tests how blood pressure and cerebral perfusion respond to positional changes, which is critical for safety during transfers and activity. You would ask the patient if they feel lightheaded or faint when standing, and, if needed, compare blood pressure readings from lying down to standing. A notable drop in systolic BP (about 20 mmHg or more) or diastolic BP (about 10 mmHg or more) within a few minutes of standing, especially with accompanying dizziness, signals a positive screen. Headache, edema, and nasal congestion are symptoms that can relate to various conditions, but they are not the specific sign targeted in a general health screen for safety before therapy.

General Health Screen aims to catch signs of cardiovascular or autonomic issues before starting therapy. The sign that is specifically asked about is orthostatic hypotension because it directly tests how blood pressure and cerebral perfusion respond to positional changes, which is critical for safety during transfers and activity. You would ask the patient if they feel lightheaded or faint when standing, and, if needed, compare blood pressure readings from lying down to standing. A notable drop in systolic BP (about 20 mmHg or more) or diastolic BP (about 10 mmHg or more) within a few minutes of standing, especially with accompanying dizziness, signals a positive screen.

Headache, edema, and nasal congestion are symptoms that can relate to various conditions, but they are not the specific sign targeted in a general health screen for safety before therapy.